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When to plant Mint in Benton County County,

Benton County County's 164-day season only supports one Mint planting per year. Sow between May 5 and May 19 for the best chance at full maturity before October 9.

When to Plant Mint in Benton County, IA

Mint

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

Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,230 feet, Benton County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.

Benton County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Mint Planting Timeline — Benton County, IA

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 – Sep 15

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Benton County, IA?

Benton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, IA?

Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Mint in Benton County County, ?

In Benton County County, , plant Mint after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Benton County County, for Mint?

Benton County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mint grow in Benton County County's climate?

Yes — Mint grows well in Benton County County's temperate climate. Benton County County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Benton County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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