When to plant Lettuce in Stringer, MS
In Stringer, plant Lettuce in spring between March 1 and March 22, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Stringer's last frost averages March 15, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between September 3 and September 17 — roughly 30–60 days before the first frost on November 12.
When to Plant Lettuce in Stringer, MS
What to do in July
Here's what deserves your attention in Jasper County, Mississippi this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Stringer, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 468 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lettuce, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Stringer Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Lettuce Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Stringer
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Lettuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Jasper County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Lettuce.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Lettuce Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jasper County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Stringer, MS
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 22 |
| Harvest | April 19 | Apr 19 – Jun 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Jasper County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Stringer
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after March 15 in Jasper County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Jasper County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lettuce. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Jasper County reach 94°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 242.0-day season in Jasper County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Stringer
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
When should I plant Lettuce in Stringer, MS?
In Stringer, MS, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 15) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stringer, MS for Lettuce?
Stringer sits in USDA Zone 8b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Stringer's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Stringer's temperate climate. Stringer averages a 242-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 15 and first frost around November 12.
Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.