When to plant Mache in Howard County, IA
In Howard County, plant Mache in spring between April 27 and May 18, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Howard County's last frost averages May 4, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 13 and July 27 — roughly 40–60 days before the first frost on October 5.
When to Plant Mache in Howard County, IA
Howard County, Iowa gardeners: here's your August plan
Each item below is timed to Howard County, Iowa's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Howard County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,297 feet, Howard County receives approximately 39.7 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.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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 Howard County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.3) is within Mache's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Howard 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 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mache
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Howard 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 — Howard County, IA
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
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 | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Mache in Howard County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 04 in Howard County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 154.0-day season in Howard 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 Howard County, IA?
Howard County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, IA?
Howard County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Mache in Howard County, IA?
In Howard County, IA, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howard County, IA for Mache?
Howard County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in Howard County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 5.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.