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When to Plant Mint in Lee County, AL

Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.

Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 461 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Mint, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mint root diseases.

Lee County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (88 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Aug 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Sep 4

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 114 gal / 100 sq ft
Mint needs ~1,369 GDD — county provides 4,033 GDD Excellent fit

Mint Planting Timeline โ€” Lee County, AL

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 โ€“ Aug 14

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

221 days

Growing Tips for Lee County

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

  • Parsley

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Lee County, AL?

Lee County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, AL?

Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.