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When to Plant Microgreens in Jefferson 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.

Jefferson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.

At an elevation of 349 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 64.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101ยฐF, so Microgreens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Microgreens will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Microgreens root diseases.

Jefferson County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
296 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
296 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (273 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 27 Transplant: Jan 24 🍅 Harvest: Jan 31 – Feb 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (261 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Feb 13 🍅 Harvest: Feb 20 – Mar 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (258 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Mar 13 – Apr 10

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 261 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Microgreens needs ~360 GDD — county provides 7,647 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Jefferson County, TX

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 โ€“ Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Feb 27
Direct Sow January 23 Jan 23 โ€“ Feb 13
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 โ€“ Oct 25
Harvest February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
March Harvest
April โ€”
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

Growing Season

296 days

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, TX?

Jefferson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, TX?

Jefferson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jefferson County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Jefferson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.