When to Plant Mint in Gooding County, ID
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Gooding County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 5,631 feet, Gooding County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mint successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gooding County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Mint Planting Timeline — Gooding County, ID
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
153 days
Growing Tips for Gooding 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
Level Up Your Garden
Mint in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mint in Gooding County, ID?
Gooding County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gooding County, ID?
Gooding County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Gooding County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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