When to Plant Mache in Wilson County, NC
May in the garden — Wilson County, North Carolina
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Start mache indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Basket week: mache
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Wilson County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 878 feet, Wilson County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Wilson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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 Wilson County
How your county's soil matches Mache's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) is more acidic than Mache prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Wilson County is excellent for Mache — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wilson 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 — Wilson County, NC
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
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 Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Wilson County
Growing Tips for Mache in Wilson County
Direct sow Mache outdoors after March 28 in Wilson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Wilson County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Mache. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 223.0-day season in Wilson 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 Wilson County, NC?
Wilson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilson County, NC?
Wilson County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Wilson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wilson County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.