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When to Plant Microgreens in Madison County, VA

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.

Madison County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 865 feet, Madison County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.

Madison County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Apr 15 – May 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Apr 23 – May 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jun 15

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 174 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~234 GDD — county provides 3,232 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Madison County, VA

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 23
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 โ€“ Aug 31
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 21

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 7a

Growing Season

193 days

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, VA?

Madison County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, VA?

Madison County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Madison County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.