When to plant Mache in Foothill Ranch, CA
Aim to plant Mache in Foothill Ranch on or after January 23; the window stays open through February 13. Foothill Ranch's 302-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 16 to October 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Foothill Ranch, CA
June in Orange County, California — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Orange County, California this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Foothill Ranch, California is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 301 days.
At an elevation of 405 feet, Orange County receives approximately 13.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Foothill Ranch Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.6
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 Foothill Ranch
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.6) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Orange County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Oct 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 16.
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange 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 — Foothill Ranch, CA
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | March 27 | Mar 27 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 16 | Oct 16 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
301 days in Orange County
Growing Tips for Mache in Foothill Ranch
Direct sow Mache outdoors after February 13 in Orange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 302.0-day season in Orange County allows multiple plantings of Mache. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Orange 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
When should I plant Mache in Foothill Ranch, CA?
In Foothill Ranch, CA, plant Mache after the last frost (around February 13) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Foothill Ranch, CA for Mache?
Foothill Ranch sits in USDA Zone 10b. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Foothill Ranch's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Foothill Ranch's temperate climate. Foothill Ranch averages a 302-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 13 and first frost around December 11.
Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.