When to plant Mint in Clare County, MI
In Clare County, Mint is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 21–June 4 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 3 first frost.
When to Plant Mint in Clare County, MI
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Clare County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,150 feet, Clare County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.
Clare County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Mint Planting Timeline — Clare County, MI
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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
142 days in Clare County
Growing Tips for Clare 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 Clare County, MI?
Clare County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clare County, MI?
Clare County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Mint in Clare County, MI?
In Clare County, MI, plant Mint after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clare County, MI for Mint?
Clare 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 Clare County's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Clare County's temperate climate. Clare County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 3.
Your Clare County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clare 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.