When to Plant Microgreens in Cumberland County, IL
May in Cumberland County, Illinois — your action list
Each item below is timed to Cumberland County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start microgreens indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (April 14). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Harvest microgreens as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.
Cumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
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 Cumberland County
How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Microgreens's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cumberland County is excellent for Microgreens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). 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 Sep 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cumberland 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 — Cumberland County, IL
Microgreens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Cumberland County
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Cumberland County
Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after April 14 in Cumberland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 186.0-day season in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, IL?
Cumberland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cumberland County, IL?
Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Cumberland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cumberland County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.