Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Ohio

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

The Short Answer

Lettuce is one of the first crops Ohio gardeners can get in the ground each spring — and one of the most rewarding for impatient growers who want quick results after a long winter. Ohio's cool springs and falls create ideal lettuce conditions, and the crop's frost tolerance means you can plant weeks before your last frost date while your neighbors are still dreaming about tomatoes.

Ohio Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Central Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 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 Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

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 Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Direct sow lettuce 4-6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as late March in southern Ohio and early April in the north. Ohio's clay soil works for lettuce because the crop's shallow roots don't need deep drainage. But work in compost for a lighter soil texture that tiny lettuce seeds can push through. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks through May. When summer heat arrives and lettuce bolts, take a break and resume sowing in late August for a fall harvest that often surpasses spring production. Fall lettuce in Ohio can continue through October and even November with row cover protection.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Loose-leaf varieties (Red Sails, Black Seeded Simpson) are fastest and most forgiving. Romaine types (Parris Island Cos) handle Ohio heat better than butterhead or iceberg. For fall, try winter-hardy varieties like Winter Density and Rouge d'Hiver. Ohio State Extension recommends bolting-resistant varieties for spring plantings.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Bolting (going to seed) is the primary challenge once Ohio temperatures consistently exceed 80°F in June. Partial shade extends the spring harvest. Slugs love lettuce in Ohio's damp conditions — use iron phosphate bait. Rabbit damage is common in suburban and rural gardens. Aphids colonize the undersides of leaves — blast with water or check at harvest.

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 in Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio 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

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