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When to Plant Microgreens in Lincoln 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.

Lincoln County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 1,092 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Lincoln County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jun 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jun 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jun 19

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
Drought risk

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

Microgreens needs ~161 GDD — county provides 1,736 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, MN

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 18
Fall Sowing July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Jul 24
Harvest May 11 May 11 โ€“ Jun 8

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 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 4a

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MN?

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

What planting zone is Lincoln County, MN?

Lincoln County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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