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When to Plant Mint in Union County, OR

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

Union County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 2,751 feet, Union County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.

Union County, OR (Zone 5b) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 20
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 29
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 17 – Oct 26

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
0.7″/week
You supply
1.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,499 gal / 100 sq ft
Mint needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 1,986 GDD Excellent fit

Mint Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, OR

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 โ€“ Sep 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

137 days

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, OR?

Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, OR?

Union County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Union County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.