When to plant Microgreens in Perry County, IL
For Perry County, gardeners: plant Microgreens March 26 through April 16 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Microgreens in Perry County, IL
June to-do list for Perry County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Perry County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 806 feet, Perry County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.
Perry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 Perry County
How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Microgreens's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Microgreens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — 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 Sep 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Perry 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 — Perry 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 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Perry County
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Perry County
Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after April 09 in Perry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 194.0-day season in Perry 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 Perry County, IL?
Perry County is in Zone 7a 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 Perry County, IL?
Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Microgreens in Perry County, IL?
In Perry County, IL, plant Microgreens after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Perry County, IL for Microgreens?
Perry County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Microgreens grows reliably in zones 1a through 13b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Microgreens grow in Perry County's climate?
Yes — Microgreens grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.