When to plant Mache in Pima County, AZ
Aim to plant Mache in Pima County on or after March 11; the window stays open through April 1. Pima County's 222-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 14 to September 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Pima County, AZ
July in Pima County, Arizona — your action list
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Pima County, Arizona.
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.
Pima County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 4,327 feet, Pima County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Mache may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mache will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pima County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.3
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 Pima County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.3) is more alkaline than Mache prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pima County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mache will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mache.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mache.
How to Plant Mache
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mache
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.
Mache Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Pima 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 — Pima County, AZ
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
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 | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
222 days in Pima County
Growing Tips for Mache in Pima County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after April 01 in Pima County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pima County dries quickly — mulch Mache with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Pima County, provide afternoon shade for Mache and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 222.0-day season in Pima County allows multiple plantings of Mache. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Pima County receives only 14" of rain annually. Mache needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Pima County, AZ?
Pima County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pima County, AZ?
Pima County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Mache in Pima County, AZ?
In Pima County, AZ, plant Mache after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pima County, AZ for Mache?
Pima County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Pima County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Pima County's temperate climate. Pima County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 9.
Your Pima County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pima County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.