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When to Plant Microgreens in Monroe 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.

Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,128 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 35.1 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.

Monroe County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 21 – May 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (156 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – May 29

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Microgreens needs ~172 GDD — county provides 2,327 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Monroe County, MO

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 โ€“ Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 21
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Aug 26
Harvest April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
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

190 days

Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO?

Monroe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, MO?

Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.