Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in Vermont

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 Vermont's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 20 - Jun 5 in Northern Vermont. Vermont gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very...

Vermont Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Vermont 3b, 4a May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 25 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont 4b, 5a, 5b May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5

Lettuce Planting Schedule for Vermont

Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)

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

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 Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1

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 Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

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 Vermont

Lettuce in Vermont'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 Vermont

Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular.

Vermont Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable.

Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - 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 Vermont, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Vermont gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Vermont 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 Vermont Planting Calendar All plants for Vermont 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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