When to plant Mache in Montezuma County, CO
Montezuma County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Plant Mache between May 13 (after last frost on May 27) and June 3. A second sowing from July 19 to August 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Montezuma County, CO
June to-do list for Montezuma County, Colorado
A quick June briefing for Montezuma County, Colorado gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: mache
- 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.
Montezuma County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 8,063 feet, Montezuma County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Montezuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
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 Montezuma County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Montezuma County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 19.
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Montezuma 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 — Montezuma County, CO
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
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 Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Montezuma County
Growing Tips for Mache in Montezuma County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 27 in Montezuma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Montezuma County receives only 15" 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 Montezuma County, CO?
Montezuma County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montezuma County, CO?
Montezuma County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Mache in Montezuma County, CO?
In Montezuma County, CO, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 27) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Montezuma County, CO for Mache?
Montezuma County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Montezuma County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Montezuma County's temperate climate. Montezuma County averages a 123-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 27 and first frost around September 27.
Your Montezuma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Montezuma County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.