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When to Plant Microgreens in Atchison County, MO

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.

Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Atchison County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Atchison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (139 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Apr 22 – May 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (139 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – May 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jun 9

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 65 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~172 GDD — county provides 2,131 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Atchison County, MO

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6
Direct Sow April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 29
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 โ€“ Aug 18
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 27

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
May Transplant Outdoors Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
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 5b

Growing Season

174 days

Growing Tips for Atchison 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 Atchison County, MO?

Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atchison County, MO?

Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atchison County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Atchison County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.