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When to Plant Mint in Howard County, AR

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

Howard County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 537 feet, Howard County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88Β°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mint root diseases.

Howard County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Howard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Mint

Mint needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Mint Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Howard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Mint Planting Timeline β€” Howard County, AR

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Harvest June 9 Jun 9 – Aug 18

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

High β€” keep soil consistently moist

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

217 days in Howard County

Growing Tips for Howard 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Howard County, AR?

Howard County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Howard County, AR?

Howard County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Howard County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.