When to Plant Lettuce in Curry County, NM
Curry County, New Mexico gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Curry County, New Mexico.
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Start lettuce indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (April 16). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Start harvesting lettuce
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: 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.
Curry County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 3,373 feet, Curry County receives approximately 15.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lettuce will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lettuce successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Curry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Curry County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Curry County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lettuce will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 0.4" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Curry 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 — Curry County, NM
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Curry County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Curry County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after April 16 in Curry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Curry County dries quickly — mulch Lettuce with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 190.0-day season in Curry 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 Curry County
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Curry County, NM?
Curry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Curry County, NM?
Curry County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Curry County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Curry County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.