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When to Plant Microgreens in Iowa County, WI

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.

Iowa County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 602 feet, Iowa County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.

Iowa County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Iowa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jun 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jun 25

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 55 gal / 100 sq ft
Microgreens needs ~161 GDD — county provides 1,805 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Iowa County, WI

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 โ€“ Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 17
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Jul 29
Harvest May 10 May 10 โ€“ Jun 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing
August โ€”
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 4b

Growing Season

157 days

Growing Tips for Iowa 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 Iowa County, WI?

Iowa County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Iowa County, WI?

Iowa County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Iowa County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Iowa County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.