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When to plant Microgreens in Davis County County,

Plant Microgreens in Davis County County from April 5 to April 26 in spring. Davis County County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 19 and first frost on October 16. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Microgreens in Davis County, IA

Davis County, Iowa Zone 5b June

Your June game plan for Davis County, Iowa

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Davis County, Iowa this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 19
Avg. first frost October 16
Soil temp (4") 71°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs

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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.

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.

Davis County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16
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Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Microgreens Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Apr 20 – May 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Apr 26 – May 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jun 7

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 Davis County

How your county's soil matches Microgreens's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–6.7) is within Microgreens's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Davis 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

0.5"
Planting Depth
2"
Between Plants
6"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Microgreens

35
successive plantings in your 180-day season

Sow every 0.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 25 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.

Microgreens Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 469 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Davis 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 needs ~192 GDD — county provides 2,475 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest April 26 Apr 26 – May 24
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
May Transplant Outdoors Harvest
June
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December
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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

180 days in Davis County

Growing Tips for Microgreens in Davis County

Direct sow Microgreens outdoors after April 19 in Davis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 180.0-day season in Davis 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Microgreens in Davis County, IA?

Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Davis County, IA?

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Microgreens in Davis County, ?

In Davis County, , plant Microgreens after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Davis County, for Microgreens?

Davis County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Microgreens grows reliably in zones 1a through 13b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Microgreens grow in Davis County's climate?

Yes — Microgreens grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Davis 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Davis County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.