When to plant Mache in Buchanan County, IA
In Zone 5a (Buchanan County), direct-sow Mache between April 18 and May 9 for spring, after the May 2 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Buchanan County, IA
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.
Buchanan County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 837 feet, Buchanan County receives approximately 41.4 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.
Buchanan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Mache Planting Timeline — Buchanan County, IA
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Buchanan County
Growing Tips for Buchanan 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 Buchanan County, IA?
Buchanan County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Buchanan County, IA?
Buchanan County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Mache in Buchanan County, IA?
In Buchanan County, IA, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Buchanan County, IA for Mache?
Buchanan County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Buchanan County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Buchanan County's temperate climate. Buchanan County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.
Your Buchanan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Buchanan County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.