When to Plant Mache in St. Clair County, AL
Mache (corn salad) is a cold-hardy salad green with small, rounded, tender leaves and a mild, nutty flavor. It thrives in cool weather and even overwinters in many climates.
St. Clair County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.
At an elevation of 211 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Mache, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
St. Clair County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Mache Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, AL
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
219 days
Growing Tips for St. Clair County
Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvest. Seeds need light to germinate so press gently into soil surface. Harvest whole rosettes.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Mache in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mache in St. Clair County, AL?
St. Clair County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Clair County, AL?
St. Clair County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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