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When to Plant Mache in USDA Zone 3b

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.

In Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is around May 10 and the first fall frost is around September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

Zone 3b Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 22

Mache Planting Timeline — Zone 3b

Where Is USDA Zone 3b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3b. Click any state to see the Mache planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Mache Planting Calendar — Zone 3b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Fall Sowing June 30 Jun 30 – Jul 14
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 3b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

40–60 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

-35°F to -30°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

135 days (Zone 3b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing6 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 3b

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

Saving Mache Seeds

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Seedling Heat Mat $15-35

Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.

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Floating Row Covers $12-30

Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mache in Zone 3b?

In Zone 3b, plan your Mache planting around the average last frost date of May 10. Start seeds indoors around March 29. Direct sow outdoors around May 3. Transplant seedlings around May 10.

Can Mache grow in Zone 3b?

Yes, Mache can grow well in Zone 3b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 3b has a growing season of approximately 135 days, which is sufficient for Mache (40-60 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Mache in Zone 3b?

In Zone 3b, expect to harvest Mache from June 21 – July 26. Mache takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 3b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 3b is around May 10, and the first fall frost is around September 22. This gives a growing season of approximately 135 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Mache?

Good companion plants for Mache include Lettuce, Spinach, Radish. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 3b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.