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When to Plant Mache in Rosebud County, MT

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.

Rosebud County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 6,448 feet, Rosebud County receives approximately 22.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall.

Rosebud County, MT (Zone 4a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Rosebud County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Jul 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 11 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 8

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 526 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Mache needs ~650 GDD — county provides 1,885 GDD Excellent fit

Mache Planting Timeline โ€” Rosebud County, MT

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 25
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Jul 25
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Jul 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August โ€”
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 4a

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Rosebud 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 Rosebud County, MT?

Rosebud County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rosebud County, MT?

Rosebud County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Rosebud County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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