In the varied climates of Pennsylvania , growing bread , a cool - season crop , can be a gratifying experience . To master the timing of planting lettuce in this body politic , understanding the local USDA hardiness zones is key . This article will dig into when to start seed , when to plant out of doors , and when to harvest shekels in Pennsylvania , which has hardiness zones grade from 5a to 7b .
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Hardiness Zones
Pennsylvania spans USDA Hardiness Zones from 5a to 7b , indicating significant wintertime temperature variation :
Starting Seeds Indoors
Initiating lettuce seeds indoors provides a jump - starting time to the growing season and shelter the young plant from coarse weather conditions .
In Zone 5a , start your come indoors around 4 to 6 week before the last expected outpouring hoarfrost , typically in late February to early March . In Zones 5b to 6b , semen can be started indoors somewhat earlier , generally in mid to former February . In Zones 7a and 7b , you may typically start seed indoors in mid - February .
Plant the seeds about 1/4 in deep in a high - quality seed - starting mix . Keep the grunge consistently moist . The ideal temperature for sprouting is around 60 - 70 point Fahrenheit ( 15 - 21 degrees Anders Celsius ) . Once sprouted , lettuce seedlings need ample light — around 12 - 14 hours per day .
When To Plant Lettuce In Pennsylvania
Transplant seedlings or sow seeds directly into your garden after the risk of a knockout frost has evanesce , and grunge temperature have warmed up .
In Zone 5a , you may normally plant alfresco in mid to former April . In Zones 5b to 6b , outdoor planting can begin a bite earlier , typically in other to mid - April . In the warmer Zones 7a and 7b , outdoor planting can commence in late March to former April .
take a location with good sunlight but with some protection from the intense good afternoon sun . distance lettuce plants about 8 to 12 inches apart in consistently moist grime . Mulching can help keep back dirt wet and suppress weeds .
Succession Planting
Succession planting with pelf involves sow in lowly hatful of come at regular intervals to check a continuous harvest home throughout the grow season . This method acting allow you to delight a regular supply of overbold gelt without experiencing a surplus or shortage all at once . Here ’s a footmark - by - footstep guidebook on how to do sequence planting with lettuce :
By following this succession planting method , you could enjoy a continuous supply of novel lettuce throughout the grow season , assure a steady crop of this delicious and alimentary leafy green .
When to Harvest lettuce in Pennsylvania
Lettuce can be harvested at various growth stages . For leaf lettuce , you could begin harvesting when the leaves are large enough to corrode , typically about 4 - 5 weeks after planting . you may either blame private leaves from the flora or cut the entire plant at the al-Qaida , which may encourage a second development .
For head lettuce varieties like crisphead lettuce or cos lettuce , harvesting usually chance around 60 to 70 days after planting when the head have formed and feel solid .
Remember , dough can bolt or go to source in gamy temperatures , resulting in acerbic leaves . To prevent this , harvest sugar during the cool parts of the day , and increase harvesting frequency as temperature go up .
