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When to Plant Microgreens in Pike 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.

Pike County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,157 feet, Pike County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.

Pike County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Pike County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – May 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Apr 20 – May 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – May 30

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 330 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~214 GDD — county provides 2,897 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Pike County, MO

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 20
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 โ€“ Aug 25
Harvest April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 18

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 6a

Growing Season

190 days

Growing Tips for Pike 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 Pike County, MO?

Pike County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pike County, MO?

Pike County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Pike County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.