When to plant Mint in Saint Augustine, FL
In Saint Augustine, Mint is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant February 16–March 2 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the December 2 first frost.
When to Plant Mint in Saint Augustine, FL
June to-do list for St. Johns County, Florida
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Johns County, Florida.
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It's harvest week for mint
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Mint may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mint will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mint root diseases.
Saint Augustine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Mint 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 Saint Augustine
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Mint prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mint will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
Mint Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mint
Mint needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mint Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mint 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.
Mint Planting Timeline — Saint Augustine, FL
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 20 | Apr 20 – Jun 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Mint in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Mint outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns County dries quickly — mulch Mint with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in St. Johns County, provide afternoon shade for Mint and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
Always grow mint in containers or with underground barriers to control spreading. Harvest regularly to keep plants compact. Cut plants back in late summer for a fresh fall flush.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mint in Other Locations
When should I plant Mint in Saint Augustine, FL?
In Saint Augustine, FL, plant Mint after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, FL for Mint?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 9b. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.