When to plant Mint in Stephens, AR
Stephens's short 225-day growing season means one Mint planting between March 30 and April 13. No fall crop in Zone 8a.
When to Plant Mint in Stephens, AR
What to do in June
Your garden in Ouachita County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Basket week: mint
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
July 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.
Stephens, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 591 feet, Ouachita County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Mint may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Stephens Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Mint 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 Stephens
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Mint's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ouachita County is excellent for Mint — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
Mint Water Budget
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ouachita 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 — Stephens, AR
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Ouachita County
Growing Tips for Mint in Stephens
Direct sow Mint outdoors after March 23 in Ouachita County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
When should I plant Mint in Stephens, AR?
In Stephens, AR, plant Mint after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stephens, AR for Mint?
Stephens sits in USDA Zone 8a. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Stephens's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Stephens's temperate climate. Stephens averages a 225-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 3.
Your Ouachita County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ouachita County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.