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When to Plant Microgreens in USDA Zone 1b

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 1b, the average last spring frost is around June 7 and the first fall frost is around August 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 79 days.

Zone 1b Very short season
79 days
Last Spring Frost June 7
79 growing days
First Fall Frost August 25

Microgreens Planting Timeline — Zone 1b

Where Is USDA Zone 1b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 1b. Click any state to see the Microgreens planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Microgreens Planting Calendar — Zone 1b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Transplant Outdoors June 7 Jun 7 – Jun 21
Direct Sow May 31 May 31 – Jun 21
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 12
Fall Sowing June 2 Jun 2 – Jun 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 1b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 1b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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

-55°F to -50°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

79 days (Zone 1b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing2 inches apart
Row Spacing6 inches between rows

Succession Planting Microgreens in Zone 1b

15
successive plantings in Zone 1b's ~79-day season

Sow every 0.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Microgreens in Zone 1b

Zone 1b has a short growing season (~79 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

💡
LED Grow Lights $25-60

Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.

🔥
Seedling Heat Mat $15-35

Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.

🪡
Floating Row Covers $12-30

Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Microgreens in Zone 1b?

In Zone 1b, plan your Microgreens planting around the average last frost date of June 7. Start seeds indoors around April 26. Direct sow outdoors around May 31. Transplant seedlings around June 7.

Can Microgreens grow in Zone 1b?

Yes, Microgreens can grow well in Zone 1b, hardy in USDA zones 1a through 13b. Zone 1b has a growing season of approximately 79 days, which is sufficient for Microgreens (7-21 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Microgreens in Zone 1b?

In Zone 1b, expect to harvest Microgreens from June 14 – July 12. Microgreens takes 7-21 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 1b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 1b is around June 7, and the first fall frost is around August 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 79 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 1b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.