When to plant Mint in Scott County, AR
Scott County sits in cold Zone 8a. Plant Mint April 12–April 26 for the single annual harvest; the October 31 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Mint in Scott County, AR
What to do in July
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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It's harvest week for mint
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Scott County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 797 feet, Scott County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7
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 Scott County
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.0) overlaps with Mint's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Mint — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mint.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
Mint Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott 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 — Scott County, AR
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Mint in Scott County
Direct sow Mint outdoors after April 05 in Scott 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mint in Scott County, AR?
Scott County is in Zone 8a 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 Scott County, AR?
Scott County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Mint in Scott County, AR?
In Scott County, AR, plant Mint after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, AR for Mint?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 31.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.