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When to plant Mache in Itasca County, MN

In Itasca County, plant Mache in spring between May 3 and May 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Itasca County's last frost averages May 10, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 9 and July 23 — roughly 40–60 days before the first frost on October 1.

When to Plant Mache in Itasca County, MN

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.

Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Itasca County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall.

Itasca County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
144 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Itasca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Mache Planting Timeline — Itasca County, MN

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 26
Fall Sowing July 9 Jul 9 – Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

144 days in Itasca County

Growing Tips for Itasca 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 Itasca County, MN?

Itasca County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Itasca County, MN?

Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Mache in Itasca County, MN?

In Itasca County, MN, plant Mache after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Itasca County, MN for Mache?

Itasca County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mache grow in Itasca County's climate?

Yes — Mache grows well in Itasca County's temperate climate. Itasca County averages a 144-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 1.

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Your Itasca County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Itasca County (Zone 4a). 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 Itasca County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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