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When to Plant Microgreens in Pine 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.

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Pine County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Pine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jun 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jun 25

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 15 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~182 GDD — county provides 1,846 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Pine County, MN

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Fall Sowing July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Jul 21
Harvest May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jun 14

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 4a

Growing Season

142 days

Growing Tips for Pine 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 Pine County, MN?

Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pine County, MN?

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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