When to plant Microgreens in Saint Augustine, IL
Spring Microgreens in Saint Augustine goes in April 3–April 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Microgreens in Saint Augustine, IL
Your July game plan for Knox County, Illinois
July is a pivotal month for Knox County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Looking ahead to August
- 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.
Saint Augustine, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 1,301 feet, Knox County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Microgreens to ensure they mature before fall.
Saint Augustine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 Saint Augustine
How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Microgreens's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Knox County is excellent for Microgreens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Microgreens Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Knox 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 — Saint Augustine, IL
Microgreens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Knox County
Growing Tips for Microgreens in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after April 17 in Knox County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 181.0-day season in Knox 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
When should I plant Microgreens in Saint Augustine, IL?
In Saint Augustine, IL, plant Microgreens after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, IL for Microgreens?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 5b. Microgreens grows reliably in zones 1a through 13b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Microgreens grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Microgreens grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 15.
Your Knox County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Knox County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.