When to plant Mint in Inyo County, CA
In Inyo County, Mint is a spring-only crop. Plant January 22–February 5 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Mint in Inyo County, CA
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Inyo County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and the first fall frost is December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 4,562 feet, Inyo County receives approximately 16.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, 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.
Inyo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Mint
Mint needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mint Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Inyo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mint Planting Timeline — Inyo County, CA
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – Jun 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
329 days in Inyo County
Growing Tips for Inyo 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mint in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mint in Inyo County, CA?
Inyo County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of January 15. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Inyo County, CA?
Inyo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and first fall frost is December 10.
When should I plant Mint in Inyo County, CA?
In Inyo County, CA, plant Mint after the last frost (around January 15) and before the first frost (around December 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Inyo County, CA for Mint?
Inyo County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Inyo County's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Inyo County's temperate climate. Inyo County averages a 330-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 15 and first frost around December 10.
Your Inyo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Inyo County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.