When to plant Mache in Benton County, IN
Mache planted in Benton County between April 8 and April 29 matures in 40–60 days — well before the October 13 first frost. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Benton County, IN
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.
Benton County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,298 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mache Planting Timeline — Benton County, IN
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton County
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 Benton County, IN?
Benton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, IN?
Benton County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Mache in Benton County, IN?
In Benton County, IN, plant Mache after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, IN for Mache?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.