When to plant Mache in Kit Carson County, CO
Kit Carson County's spring Mache window runs April 25 through May 16. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 30 to August 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Kit Carson County, CO
Your July planting checklist for Kit Carson County, Colorado
A quick July briefing for Kit Carson County, Colorado gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for mache
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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Direct-sow mache for cool weather
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
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.
Kit Carson County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 6,382 feet, Kit Carson County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.
Kit Carson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8
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 Kit Carson County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.0) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kit Carson County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 30.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Kit Carson 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 — Kit Carson County, CO
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Kit Carson County
Growing Tips for Mache in Kit Carson County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 09 in Kit Carson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 152.0-day season in Kit Carson County allows multiple plantings of Mache. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Kit Carson County receives only 23" 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 Kit Carson County, CO?
Kit Carson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kit Carson County, CO?
Kit Carson County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Mache in Kit Carson County, CO?
In Kit Carson County, CO, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kit Carson County, CO for Mache?
Kit Carson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Kit Carson County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Kit Carson County's temperate climate. Kit Carson County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 8.
Your Kit Carson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kit Carson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.