When to Plant Mache in Coffee County, AL
Your May planting checklist for Coffee County, Alabama
Your Coffee County, Alabama garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Harvest mache as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Coffee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 342 feet, Coffee County receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Mache may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Mache, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mache root diseases.
Coffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Coffee County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.7) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Coffee County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mache.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Mache.
How to Plant Mache
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mache
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mache
Mache needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mache Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Coffee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mache Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Mache Planting Timeline — Coffee County, AL
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Coffee County
Growing Tips for Mache in Coffee County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after March 12 in Coffee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Coffee County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Mache. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Coffee County, provide afternoon shade for Mache and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 247.0-day season in Coffee County allows multiple plantings of Mache. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mache in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mache in Coffee County, AL?
Coffee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coffee County, AL?
Coffee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Coffee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Coffee County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.