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When to Plant Microgreens in Atchison County, KS

Microgreens are young seedlings of vegetables and herbs harvested at the cotyledon or first true leaf stage. They pack concentrated flavors and nutrients in a tiny package.

Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Atchison County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Atchison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (147 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 19 – May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – May 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (156 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jun 6

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,466 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Microgreens needs ~182 GDD — county provides 2,431 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Atchison County, KS

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 24
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Aug 26
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 22

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 2" apart ยท Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
May Transplant Outdoors Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

7โ€“21 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

187 days

Growing Tips for Atchison County

Sow seeds densely on shallow trays of moist growing medium. Cover until germination, then provide light. Harvest with scissors when 1-3 inches tall. Grow year-round indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Microgreens in Atchison County, KS?

Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?

Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atchison County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Atchison County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.