When to plant Mache in Saline County, AR
Aim to plant Mache in Saline County on or after March 12; the window stays open through April 2. Saline County's 228-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Saline County, AR
August in the garden — Saline County, Arkansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Saline County, Arkansas this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start your fall crops: mache
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
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.
Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 598 feet, Saline County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Saline County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Saline 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 (3.1%). 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 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Saline 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 — Saline County, AR
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Mache in Saline County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after March 26 in Saline County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Saline 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 Saline County, AR?
Saline County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, AR?
Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Mache in Saline County, AR?
In Saline County, AR, plant Mache after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saline County, AR for Mache?
Saline 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 Saline County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 9.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline 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.