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When to Plant Mache in Newport County, RI

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.

Newport County, Rhode Island is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 441 feet, Newport County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.

Newport County, RI (Zone 7a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Newport County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (89 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Jul 31

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Mache needs ~1,025 GDD — county provides 3,403 GDD Excellent fit

Mache Planting Timeline โ€” Newport County, RI

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ May 7
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 โ€“ Aug 18
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Jul 16

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

166 days

Growing Tips for Newport 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 Newport County, RI?

Newport County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newport County, RI?

Newport County, Rhode Island is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Newport County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Newport County, RI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.