When to Plant Mache in Nez Perce County, ID
Top priorities for Nez Perce County, Idaho gardeners in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Nez Perce County, Idaho this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Move mache from tray to bed
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: mache
- 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.
Nez Perce County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 4,819 feet, Nez Perce County receives approximately 16.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Nez Perce County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Nez Perce County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.0) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Nez Perce 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 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 18.
Plant 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Nez Perce 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 — Nez Perce County, ID
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Nez Perce County
Growing Tips for Mache in Nez Perce County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 12 in Nez Perce County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Nez Perce County receives only 17" 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 Nez Perce County, ID?
Nez Perce County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nez Perce County, ID?
Nez Perce County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Nez Perce County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nez Perce 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.