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When to Plant Microgreens in Kittson 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.

Kittson County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 778 feet, Kittson County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Kittson County, MN (Zone 3a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Kittson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jun 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jun 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 18 Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 4

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 ~119 GDD — county provides 1,181 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Kittson County, MN

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 28
Fall Sowing July 8 Jul 8 โ€“ Jul 22
Harvest May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
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 3a

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Kittson 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 Kittson County, MN?

Kittson County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kittson County, MN?

Kittson County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 30.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kittson County gardeners in Zone 3a 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 Kittson County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.