When to Plant Microgreens in USDA Zone 11a
Top priorities for Zone 11a gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 11a this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
In Zone 11a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Microgreens Planting Timeline — Zone 11a
Where Is USDA Zone 11a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11a. Click any state to see the Microgreens planting schedule for that location.
Microgreens Planting Calendar — Zone 11a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Direct Sow | December 11 | Dec 11 – Jan 1 |
| Harvest | January 8 | Jan 8 – Feb 5 |
| Fall Sowing | November 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| February | Harvest |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Free Zone 11a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
7–21 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
40°F to 45°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
365 days (Zone 11a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 2 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 6 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Microgreens in Zone 11a
Sow every 0.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Zone 11a
Zone 11a offers a long growing season (~365 days). You can plant Microgreens earlier and may get multiple harvests.
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.
Saving Microgreens Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Microgreens in Other Zones
Microgreens by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Microgreens in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, plan your Microgreens planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around December 4. Direct sow outdoors around December 11. Transplant seedlings around January 1.
Can Microgreens grow in Zone 11a?
Yes, Microgreens can grow well in Zone 11a, hardy in USDA zones 1a through 13b. Zone 11a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Microgreens (7-21 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Microgreens in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, expect to harvest Microgreens from January 8 – February 5. Microgreens takes 7-21 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
Your Zone 11a Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 11a. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.