When to plant Mache in Douglas County, CO
Douglas County's climate puts the Mache spring window between May 8 and May 29. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Douglas County, CO
Your June game plan for Douglas County, Colorado
Your Douglas County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Get mache seeds going inside
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: mache
- 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.
Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 121 days.
At an elevation of 7,421 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
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 Douglas County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) is more alkaline than Mache prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Douglas County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Mache Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Douglas 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 — Douglas County, CO
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
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 |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
121 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Mache in Douglas County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 22 in Douglas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Douglas County receives only 13" 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 Douglas County, CO?
Douglas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, CO?
Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Mache in Douglas County, CO?
In Douglas County, CO, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Douglas County, CO for Mache?
Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Douglas County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 121-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 20.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.