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When to Plant Mint in Whitman County, WA

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

Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 1,541 feet, Whitman County receives approximately 14.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, 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.

Whitman County, WA (Zone 6a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Whitman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 15 – Oct 24

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
0.4″/week
You supply
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,354 gal / 100 sq ft
Mint needs ~1,200 GDD — county provides 2,272 GDD Excellent fit

Mint Planting Timeline โ€” Whitman County, WA

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 27

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 โ€”
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 6a

Growing Season

142 days

Growing Tips for Whitman 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 Whitman County, WA?

Whitman County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Whitman County, WA?

Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Whitman County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Whitman County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.