When to plant Mache in DeKalb County, IN
The best window to plant Mache in DeKalb County, is April 12–May 3, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 26; first frost October 17. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in DeKalb County, IN
Your July planting checklist for DeKalb County, Indiana
Your garden in DeKalb County, Indiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Basket week: mache
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
DeKalb County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 671 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 DeKalb County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) is within Mache's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in DeKalb County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in DeKalb 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 — DeKalb County, IN
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in DeKalb County
Growing Tips for Mache in DeKalb County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after April 26 in DeKalb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 174.0-day season in DeKalb 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mache in DeKalb County, IN?
DeKalb County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, IN?
DeKalb County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Mache in DeKalb County, IN?
In DeKalb County, IN, plant Mache after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeKalb County, IN for Mache?
DeKalb 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 DeKalb County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.
Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb 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.