When to plant Mache in Moffat County, CO
In Zone 5b (Moffat County), direct-sow Mache between May 24 and June 14 for spring, after the June 7 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 6 to July 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Moffat County, CO
July in the garden — Moffat County, Colorado
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Moffat County, Colorado this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Sow mache in trays indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Harvest mache as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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Plant your fall garden: mache
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: 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.
Moffat County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 99 days.
At an elevation of 6,597 feet, Moffat County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Moffat County Soil Profile
Soil Type
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 Moffat 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
The loam soil in Moffat 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 (2.4%). 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Moffat 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 — Moffat County, CO
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
99 days in Moffat County
Growing Tips for Mache in Moffat County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after June 07 in Moffat County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Moffat County receives only 12" 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 Moffat County, CO?
Moffat County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Moffat County, CO?
Moffat County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 14.
When should I plant Mache in Moffat County, CO?
In Moffat County, CO, plant Mache after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moffat County, CO for Mache?
Moffat 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 Moffat County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Moffat County's temperate climate. Moffat County averages a 99-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 14.
Your Moffat County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moffat 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.