Blog

When to Plant Microgreens in DeWitt County, TX

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.

DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.

At an elevation of 1,649 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 62.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Microgreens root diseases.

DeWitt County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
269 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
269 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (235 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 14 Transplant: Feb 18 🍅 Harvest: Feb 25 – Mar 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (234 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 26 Transplant: Mar 2 🍅 Harvest: Mar 9 – Apr 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (228 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: Apr 1 – Apr 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.

Soil Compatibility in DeWitt County

How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.8โ€“7.8) is more alkaline than Microgreens prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in DeWitt County is excellent for Microgreens โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Microgreens.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Microgreens.

How to Plant Microgreens

0.5"
Planting Depth
2"
Between Plants
6"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Microgreens

53
successive plantings in your 269-day season

Sow every 0.7 weeks. Last sowing by Nov 05 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 17.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 949 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Microgreens

Microgreens needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Microgreens Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Marโ€“Nov in DeWitt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Microgreens Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Microgreens needs ~256 GDD — county provides 4,909 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” DeWitt County, TX

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 26 Jan 26 โ€“ Feb 9
Transplant Outdoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 9
Harvest March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Apr 6
Fall Sowing September 17 Sep 17 โ€“ Oct 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
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 Fall Sowing
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

7โ€“21 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

269 days in DeWitt County

Growing Tips for Microgreens in DeWitt County

Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after March 02 in DeWitt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 269.0-day season in DeWitt County allows multiple plantings of Microgreens. Sow every 3.0 days for continuous harvest.

General growing tips

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 DeWitt County, TX?

DeWitt County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, TX?

DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help DeWitt County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for DeWitt County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.