When to Plant Mache in Catron County, NM
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.
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
At an elevation of 8,232 feet, Catron County receives approximately 10.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mache will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Catron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Catron County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mache Planting Timeline — Catron County, NM
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
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 |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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
111 days in Catron County
Growing Tips for Catron 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 →
Mache in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mache in Catron County, NM?
Catron County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catron County, NM?
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Catron County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Catron 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.