When to plant Mache in Charlevoix County, MI
For Charlevoix County, gardeners: plant Mache April 21 through May 12 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in Charlevoix County, MI
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Charlevoix County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Time to start mache inside
You're about 17 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
-
Harvest mache as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: 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.
Charlevoix County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 821 feet, Charlevoix County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall.
Charlevoix County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 Charlevoix County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Mache's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Charlevoix County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Mache Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Charlevoix 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 — Charlevoix County, MI
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Charlevoix County
Growing Tips for Mache in Charlevoix County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after May 05 in Charlevoix County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 169.0-day season in Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix County, MI?
Charlevoix County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Charlevoix County, MI?
Charlevoix County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Mache in Charlevoix County, MI?
In Charlevoix County, MI, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Charlevoix County, MI for Mache?
Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in Charlevoix County's temperate climate. Charlevoix County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 21.
Your Charlevoix County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Charlevoix 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.