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When to plant Mache in Worcester County, MA

Worcester County's climate puts the Mache spring window between April 10 and May 1. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Mache in Worcester County, MA

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.

Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 972 feet, Worcester County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season.

Worcester County, MA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Worcester County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

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 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Worcester County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Mache Planting Timeline — Worcester County, MA

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

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

176 days in Worcester County

Growing Tips for Worcester 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mache in Worcester County, MA?

Worcester County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Worcester County, MA?

Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Mache in Worcester County, MA?

In Worcester County, MA, plant Mache after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Worcester County, MA for Mache?

Worcester 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 Worcester County's climate?

Yes — Mache grows well in Worcester County's temperate climate. Worcester County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Worcester County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Worcester 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Worcester County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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