When to plant Mache in Laurel, DE
Plant Mache in Laurel after April 3; the prime window is March 20–April 10. A second sowing from August 29 to September 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Laurel, DE
Top priorities for Sussex County, Delaware gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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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.
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.
Laurel, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 1,090 feet, Sussex County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.
Laurel Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 Laurel
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sussex 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 Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Mache Water Budget
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Sussex 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 — Laurel, DE
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Sussex County
Growing Tips for Mache in Laurel
Direct sow Mache outdoors after April 03 in Sussex County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 218.0-day season in Sussex County allows multiple plantings of Mache. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
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 Laurel, DE?
In Laurel, DE, plant Mache after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Laurel, DE for Mache?
Laurel sits in USDA Zone 7b. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Laurel's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Laurel's temperate climate. Laurel averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 7.
Your Sussex County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sussex County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.