When to Plant Mint in Polk County, OR
This month in Polk County, Oregon
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Polk County, Oregon.
-
It's harvest week for mint
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July 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.
Polk County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 331 feet, Polk County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mint to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mint root diseases.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Mint
Mint needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mint Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 8.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 8.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 8.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Polk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mint Planting Timeline — Polk County, OR
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, OR?
Polk County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, OR?
Polk County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Polk County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.