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When to Plant Microgreens in Washington County, ME

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.

Washington County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Washington County, ME (Zone 4b) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jun 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jun 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 15 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 1

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~140 GDD — county provides 1,510 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, ME

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 23
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Jul 29
Harvest May 16 May 16 โ€“ Jun 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing
August โ€”
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 4b

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, ME?

Washington County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, ME?

Washington County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Washington County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.