When to Plant Microgreens in Drew County, AR
Top priorities for Drew County, Arkansas gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Drew County, Arkansas.
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.
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 1,158 feet, Drew County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Microgreens root diseases.
Drew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Drew County
How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Microgreens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Drew County is excellent for Microgreens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Microgreens.
How to Plant Microgreens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Microgreens
Sow every 0.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 01.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Microgreens
Microgreens needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Microgreens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Drew County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Microgreens Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Microgreens Planting Timeline — Drew County, AR
Microgreens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
7–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Drew County
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Drew County
Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after March 18 in Drew County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 237.0-day season in Drew County allows multiple plantings of Microgreens. Sow every 3.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
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.
Microgreens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Microgreens in Drew County, AR?
Drew County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Drew County, AR?
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.
Your Drew County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Drew County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.