When to Plant Mache in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 2a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plant out mache
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Plant mache from seed, right in the garden
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Looking ahead to June
- Fall sowing: mache
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.
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is August 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 89 days.
At an elevation of 2,163 feet, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area receives approximately 55.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mache root diseases.
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
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 Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) is more acidic than Mache prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mache.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.8%) — Mache will thrive.
How to Plant Mache
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mache
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 03.
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 9.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Aug in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area). 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 — Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 2a
📆 Growing Season
89 days in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Growing Tips for Mache in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 29 in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is August 26.
Your Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area (Zone 2a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.