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When to Plant Microgreens in Livingston 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.

Livingston County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 515 feet, Livingston County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.

Livingston County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Livingston County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Apr 22 – May 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 4

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 610 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Microgreens needs ~214 GDD — county provides 2,882 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Livingston County, MO

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ Apr 29
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 22
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Aug 26
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
May 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

189 days

Growing Tips for Livingston 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 Livingston County, MO?

Livingston County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Livingston County, MO?

Livingston County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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