When to plant Mache in Equality,
Equality sits in USDA Zone 7a. Plant Mache between March 23 (after last frost on April 6) and April 13. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Equality, IL
June in Equality, IL — your action list
Welcome to June in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick mache
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Equality, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 1,391 feet, Gallatin County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.
Equality Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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 Equality
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is within Mache's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Gallatin County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Mache will thrive.
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 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 21.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Gallatin 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 — Equality, IL
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Gallatin County
Growing Tips for Mache in Equality
Direct sow Mache outdoors after April 06 in Gallatin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 207.0-day season in Gallatin 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 Equality, ?
In Equality, , plant Mache after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Equality, for Mache?
Equality sits in USDA Zone 7a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Equality's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Equality's temperate climate. Equality averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.
Your Gallatin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gallatin 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.