When to Plant Mache in Craven County, NC
This month in Craven County, North Carolina
A quick May briefing for Craven County, North Carolina gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Bring in the mache
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Craven County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 976 feet, Craven County receives approximately 49.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Mache, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Craven County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Craven County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Mache's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Craven County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Mache.
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 Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 01.
Plant 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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Craven 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 — Craven County, NC
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Craven County
Growing Tips for Mache in Craven County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after March 23 in Craven County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Craven County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Mache. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 232.0-day season in Craven 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 Craven County, NC?
Craven County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Craven County, NC?
Craven County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.
Your Craven County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Craven County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.