When to Plant Mint in Josephine County, OR
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Josephine County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 340 feet, Josephine County receives approximately 52.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Josephine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.2
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
Mint Planting Timeline — Josephine County, OR
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
181 days
Growing Tips for Josephine 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 Josephine County, OR?
Josephine County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Josephine County, OR?
Josephine County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Josephine County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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