When to plant Mint in Gorham, ME
In Gorham, Mint is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 6–May 20 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 13 first frost.
When to Plant Mint in Gorham, ME
Your July game plan for Cumberland County, Maine
Welcome to July in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick mint
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
August 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.
Gorham, Maine is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 405 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 42.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.
Gorham Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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 Gorham
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.7) is more acidic than Mint prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cumberland County is excellent for Mint — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cumberland 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 — Gorham, ME
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Cumberland County
Growing Tips for Mint in Gorham
Direct sow Mint outdoors after April 29 in Cumberland 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 Gorham, ME?
In Gorham, ME, plant Mint after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gorham, ME for Mint?
Gorham sits in USDA Zone 6a. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Gorham's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Gorham's temperate climate. Gorham averages a 167-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 13.
Your Cumberland County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cumberland County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.