When to plant Microgreens in Edwards County, IL
Edwards County gardeners should plant Microgreens between March 26 and April 16 in spring. With Edwards County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 9), Microgreens needs 7–21 days to mature — plant by October 7 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Microgreens in Edwards County, IL
July in the garden — Edwards County, Illinois
July is a pivotal month for Edwards County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- Fall sowing: 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.
Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,374 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.
Edwards County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Microgreens 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 Edwards County
How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Microgreens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Edwards County is excellent for Microgreens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Microgreens will thrive.
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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Microgreens 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edwards 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 — Edwards County, IL
Microgreens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
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 | 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Edwards County
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Edwards County
Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after April 09 in Edwards County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 202.0-day season in Edwards 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 Edwards County, IL?
Edwards County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edwards County, IL?
Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Microgreens in Edwards County, IL?
In Edwards County, IL, plant Microgreens after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Edwards County, IL for Microgreens?
Edwards County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Microgreens grows reliably in zones 1a through 13b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Microgreens grow in Edwards County's climate?
Yes — Microgreens grows well in Edwards County's temperate climate. Edwards County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards 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.