When to Plant Mint in Mohave County, AZ
Top priorities for Mohave County, Arizona gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: mint
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Mohave County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 3,748 feet, Mohave County receives approximately 8.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Mint may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mint will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mint successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mohave County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mohave County
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.4) is more alkaline than Mint prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Mohave County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mint will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Mint is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mint
Mint needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mint Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 0.2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 0.8" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3" | 0.4" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Mohave County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mint Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Mint Planting Timeline — Mohave County, AZ
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Mohave County
Growing Tips for Mint in Mohave County
Direct sow Mint outdoors after April 05 in Mohave County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Mohave County dries quickly — mulch Mint with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Mohave County, provide afternoon shade for Mint and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mint in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mint in Mohave County, AZ?
Mohave County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mohave County, AZ?
Mohave County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 8.
Your Mohave County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mohave County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.