When to Plant Microgreens in USDA Zone 1a
Your May planting checklist for Zone 1a
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 1a this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Want it on paper? Download your Zone 1a planting guide →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 1a, the average last spring frost is around June 15 and the first fall frost is around August 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 61 days.
Microgreens Planting Timeline — Zone 1a
Where Is USDA Zone 1a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 1a. Click any state to see the Microgreens planting schedule for that location.
Microgreens Planting Calendar — Zone 1a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jun 29 |
| Direct Sow | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 29 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Fall Sowing |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 1a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 1a 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
61 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 2 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 6 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Microgreens in Zone
Sow every 0.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~61 days). Start Microgreens indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
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 1a?
In Zone 1a, plan your Microgreens planting around the average last frost date of June 15. Start seeds indoors around May 4. Direct sow outdoors around June 8. Transplant seedlings around June 15.
Can Microgreens grow in Zone 1a?
Yes, Microgreens can grow well in Zone 1a, hardy in USDA zones 1a through 13b. Zone 1a has a growing season of approximately 61 days, which is sufficient for Microgreens (7-21 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Microgreens in Zone 1a?
In Zone 1a, expect to harvest Microgreens from June 22 – July 20. Microgreens takes 7-21 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 1a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 1a is around June 15, and the first fall frost is around August 15. This gives a growing season of approximately 61 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.