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When to plant Mint in Howard County, MD

Howard County sits in cold Zone 7b. Plant Mint April 15–April 29 for the single annual harvest; the November 1 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Mint in Howard County, MD

Mint

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

Howard County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 753 feet, Howard County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.

Howard County, MD (Zone 7b) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
207 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Howard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Mint Planting Timeline — Howard County, MD

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Howard County

Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, MD?

Howard County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Howard County, MD?

Howard County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Mint in Howard County, MD?

In Howard County, MD, plant Mint after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Howard County, MD for Mint?

Howard County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mint grow in Howard County's climate?

Yes — Mint grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around November 1.

🌱

Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 7b). 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 Howard County, MD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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