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When to plant Lettuce in Pine County, MN

Lettuce planted in Pine County between May 3 and May 24 matures in 30–60 days — well before the September 29 first frost. A second sowing from July 7 to July 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Pine County, MN

Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season green available in leaf, romaine, butterhead, and crisphead types. It is the foundation of salads and one of the easiest crops to grow.

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.

Pine County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Pine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce

Lettuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lettuce Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pine County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Pine County, MN

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Aug 23
Fall Sowing July 7 Jul 7 – Jul 21

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

30–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Pine County

Growing Tips for Pine County

Sow seeds directly every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to delay bolting. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Lettuce Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let plants bolt and flower. Harvest seed heads when fluffy.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in Pine County, MN?

Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pine County, MN?

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.

When should I plant Lettuce in Pine County, MN?

In Pine County, MN, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pine County, MN for Lettuce?

Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Pine County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Pine County's temperate climate. Pine County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 29.

🌱

Your Pine County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pine County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pine County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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