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When to Plant Microgreens in Covington County, MS

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.

Covington County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.

At an elevation of 469 feet, Covington County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Microgreens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Microgreens, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Covington County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
248 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
248 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Covington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (212 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Mar 12 – Apr 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (213 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: Mar 19 – Apr 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (206 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Apr 13 – May 11

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 383 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~318 GDD — county provides 5,642 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Covington County, MS

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 โ€“ Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 19
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 โ€“ Sep 20
Harvest March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
April Harvest
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
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 8a

Growing Season

248 days

Growing Tips for Covington 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 Covington County, MS?

Covington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Covington County, MS?

Covington County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Covington County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Covington County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.