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When to Plant Microgreens in Goodhue County, MN

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.

Goodhue County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,136 feet, Goodhue County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Goodhue County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Goodhue County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – May 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (129 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 4 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jun 20

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 189 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~172 GDD — county provides 2,009 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Goodhue County, MN

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Fall Sowing July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Jul 30
Harvest May 4 May 4 โ€“ Jun 1

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
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

164 days

Growing Tips for Goodhue 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 Goodhue County, MN?

Goodhue County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Goodhue County, MN?

Goodhue County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Goodhue 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 Goodhue County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.