When to Plant Microgreens in USDA Zone 4b
Top priorities for Zone 4b gardeners in April
Here's what deserves your attention in Zone 4b this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Sow microgreens where they'll grow
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Looking ahead to May
- Transplants going out: microgreens
- First harvests: microgreens
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 4b, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the first fall frost is around October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
Microgreens Planting Timeline — Zone 4b
Where Is USDA Zone 4b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4b. Click any state to see the Microgreens planting schedule for that location.
Microgreens Planting Calendar — Zone 4b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4b 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
155 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 (~155 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 4b?
In Zone 4b, plan your Microgreens planting around the average last frost date of May 1. Start seeds indoors around March 20. Direct sow outdoors around April 24. Transplant seedlings around May 1.
Can Microgreens grow in Zone 4b?
Yes, Microgreens can grow well in Zone 4b, hardy in USDA zones 1a through 13b. Zone 4b has a growing season of approximately 155 days, which is sufficient for Microgreens (7-21 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Microgreens in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, expect to harvest Microgreens from May 8 – June 5. Microgreens takes 7-21 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4b is around May 1, and the first fall frost is around October 3. This gives a growing season of approximately 155 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.