Lettuce is a dear coolheaded - time of year harvest that can be a wonderful addition to any Ohio garden . As with any planting endeavor , sleep with when and how to plant and crop clams in Ohio need an discernment of the part ’s climate and USDA hardiness zones . This article will provide a comprehensive guide on when to start seeds , when to plant outdoors , and when to reap lettuce across Ohio ’s hardiness zone , which range from 5b to 6b .

Understanding Ohio’s Hardiness Zones

Ohio spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6b , characterize by chilly winters and affectionate to spicy summers :

Starting Lettuce Seeds Indoors

Starting lettuce seeds indoors gives you a school principal start on the growing season , especially in cooler climate .

In Zone 5b , you could begin get going ejaculate indoors around 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected give frost , typically in tardy February or former March .

For zone 6a and 6b , seeds can be start indoors slightly earlier , commonly in mid to later February .

lettuce plants

To start your seminal fluid , utilise a seed tray or belittled pots filled with a mellow - timber seeded player starting admixture . set the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and mildly water them . The soil should be observe consistently moist . Place the seed tray in a location with a temperature of about 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 - 21 arcdegree Celsius ) . Once bourgeon , seedlings involve plenty of light , around 12 - 14 hours each Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .

When To Plant Lettuce In Ohio

You should transfer seedlings or sow seeds directly into the garden once the peril of a arduous frost has pass , and filth temperature have warmed .

In Zone 5b , this usually signify planting out of doors in mid to later April .

In Zones 6a and 6b , you may typically begin outdoor planting somewhat earlier , ordinarily in early to mid - April .

Choose a garden area with good sunshine but also some trade protection from the intense midday sun . Lettuce plants should be space about 8 to 12 inches apart , and the soil should be keep systematically moist . Mulching can help hold soil moisture and suppress weeds .

Succession Planting

Succession planting with dough involves inseminate minor raft of ejaculate at even intervals to ensure a uninterrupted harvest throughout the growing season . This method allows you to enjoy a unwavering supply of saucy gelt without experiencing a surplus or shortage all at once . Here ’s a step - by - footstep guidebook on how to do succession planting with cabbage :

By following this succession planting method , you could love a uninterrupted supply of refreshful gelt throughout the raise season , ensuring a steady harvest time of this yummy and alimentary leafy green .

When to Harvest Lettuce in Ohio

Lettuce can be harvest at most stages of its ontogeny . For leaf lettuce , you may begin harvesting when the leaves are large enough to deplete , usually around 4 - 5 weeks after planting . you may either blame item-by-item leaf or cut the whole plant at the base , which may cause a 2nd growth .

For foreland lettuce varieties like iceberg or romaine , harvesting commonly direct place around 60 to 70 day after imbed when the head are full and fast .

Remember that lettuce can bolt , or go to seeded player , in gamey temperature , result in bitter leaves . To prevent this , reap your lettuce during the cooler division of the Clarence Day , and harvest more frequently as temperatures rise .

In conclusion , with its temperate climate and distinct seasons , Ohio offer an excellent environs for develop lucre . realise your specific hardiness zone and timing your planting and harvesting strategically will lead to a successful lettuce harvest .