When to plant Mache in Colbert County County,
In Zone 8a (Colbert County County), direct-sow Mache between March 23 and April 13 for spring, after the April 6 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Colbert County, AL
Your June planting checklist for Colbert County, Alabama
Welcome to June in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick mache
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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.
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 380 feet, Colbert County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season. 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.
Colbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Mache 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 Colbert County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Mache prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Colbert County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Mache Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Colbert 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 — Colbert County, AL
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Colbert County
Growing Tips for Mache in Colbert County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after April 06 in Colbert County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Colbert County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Mache. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 205.0-day season in Colbert 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 Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Mache in Colbert County, ?
In Colbert County, , plant Mache after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Colbert County, for Mache?
Colbert County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Colbert County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Colbert County's temperate climate. Colbert County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 28.
Your Colbert County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colbert County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.