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When to Plant Microgreens in Marshall 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.

Marshall County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 1,303 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Marshall County, MN (Zone 3a) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
144 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jun 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (109 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jun 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (109 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 11 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jun 27

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 31 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Microgreens needs ~150 GDD — county provides 1,548 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Marshall County, MN

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 25
Fall Sowing July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Jul 24
Harvest May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 15

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 3a

Growing Season

144 days

Growing Tips for Marshall 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 Marshall County, MN?

Marshall County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, MN?

Marshall County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 11 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 Marshall 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 Marshall County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.