Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in New Hampshire

Fast-growing and forgiving. Plant in spring and fall for a nearly year-round supply of fresh salad greens.

The Short Answer

Lettuce are cold-tolerant and do well in New Hampshire's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 20 - Jun 5 in Northern New Hampshire. New Hampshire gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Granite bedrock. Raised beds essential in many...

New Hampshire Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of New Hampshire you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern New Hampshire 3b, 4a, 4b May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southern New Hampshire 5a, 5b, 6a May 1 - May 20 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Lettuce Planting Schedule for New Hampshire

Northern New Hampshire (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southern New Hampshire (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Lettuce in New Hampshire

Lettuce in New Hampshire's Climate

Your cool climate is actually excellent for lettuce — the crop thrives in 55-70°F conditions that you have for months. Direct sow as soon as soil thaws in spring and continue harvesting well into summer because your moderate temperatures delay bolting far longer than in southern states. Fall lettuce is equally productive. In the coldest zones, cold frames extend harvest into December.

Soil Considerations for New Hampshire

Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Granite bedrock. Raised beds essential in many areas.

New Hampshire Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season especially in north. Cold winters. Cool summers. Hardy varieties important.

Growing season length varies across New Hampshire: Northern New Hampshire (3b, 4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern New Hampshire (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around May 1 - May 20. This difference matters for lettuce — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Shade cloth extends the season into warmer months.

Companion Planting

Plant lettuce alongside these companions for better growth:

Carrots Radishes Strawberries Chives

The Bottom Line

Lettuce can be grown successfully across New Hampshire, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Hampshire gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern New Hampshire can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Lettuce Growing Guide National planting guide with all states New Hampshire Planting Calendar All plants for New Hampshire Lettuce in Alabama Alabama planting dates Lettuce in Alaska Alaska planting dates Lettuce in Arizona Arizona planting dates Lettuce in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates