When to plant Mache in St. Louis County, MN
The best window to plant Mache in St. Louis County, is May 26–June 16, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits June 2; first frost September 10. A second sowing from June 18 to July 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Mache in St. Louis County, MN
June in the garden — St. Louis County, Minnesota
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Louis County, Minnesota.
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Move mache from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Get mache in for a late-season harvest
Your first frost is about 10 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: mache
- 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.
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, St. Louis County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall.
St. Louis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 St. Louis County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Mache's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Louis County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mache.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — 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 Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 18.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in St. Louis 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 — St. Louis County, MN
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
100 days in St. Louis County
Growing Tips for Mache in St. Louis County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after June 02 in St. Louis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Mache in St. Louis County, MN?
In St. Louis County, MN, plant Mache after the last frost (around June 2) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Louis County, MN for Mache?
St. Louis County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mache grow in St. Louis County's climate?
Yes — Mache grows well in St. Louis County's temperate climate. St. Louis County averages a 100-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 2 and first frost around September 10.
Your St. Louis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Louis County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.