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When to Plant Mache in Bates County, MO

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.

Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,397 feet, Bates County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.

Bates County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Bates County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jun 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jun 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jul 5

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Mache needs ~725 GDD — county provides 2,885 GDD Excellent fit

Mache Planting Timeline โ€” Bates County, MO

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 16
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 โ€“ Aug 30
Harvest May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 25

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

199 days

Growing Tips for Bates 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mache in Bates County, MO?

Bates County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bates County, MO?

Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bates County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Bates County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.