When to Plant Mint in DeSoto County, MS
Your May planting checklist for DeSoto County, Mississippi
Each item below is timed to DeSoto County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
June prep starts now
- 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.
DeSoto County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 111 feet, DeSoto County receives approximately 55.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Mint, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mint root diseases.
DeSoto County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 DeSoto County
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Mint prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in DeSoto County is excellent for Mint — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in DeSoto 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 — DeSoto County, MS
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in DeSoto County
Growing Tips for Mint in DeSoto County
Direct sow Mint outdoors after March 27 in DeSoto County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With DeSoto County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Mint. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mint in DeSoto County, MS?
DeSoto County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeSoto County, MS?
DeSoto County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your DeSoto County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for DeSoto County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.