Planting Lettuce in Early Spring: It's Not Too Late—It's the Right Time

Seeing lettuce transplants at the garden center in early March might seem early, but it's actually the recommended planting window. Lettuce is surprisingly cold-hardy and thrives in cool spring weather.

The Timeline

• Average last frost date (Atlanta example): March 27.
• Recommended transplant date: 3–4 weeks before last frost = early to mid-March.
• Direct seeding: Can be done even earlier, as soon as soil is workable.

Why It Works

• Lettuce withstands light freezes (down to ~28°F / -2°C) with minimal damage.
• Cool temperatures (45–65°F) produce sweet, tender leaves.
• Spring-planted lettuce matures by early summer, before heat causes bolting (bitter, flowering).

Extend Your Harvest

1. Plant a new batch of seeds or transplants every 2–3 weeks through spring.
2. Switch to heat-tolerant varieties (e.g., 'Jericho', 'Muir', 'Red Sails') for later plantings.
3. Start a fall crop in August–September for harvest into winter.

Pro Tips

• Use row cover fabric for extra freeze protection on the coldest nights.
• Harvest outer leaves ("cut-and-come-again") to prolong each plant's yield.
• Provide afternoon shade as temperatures rise.

Don't hesitate—early March is prime time for lettuce. Get those transplants in the ground.