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When to Plant Mint in Union County, PA

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

Union County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 250 feet, Union County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.

Union County, PA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.2

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 โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 3.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Mint Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, PA

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 โ€“ Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

178 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, PA?

Union County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, PA?

Union County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Union County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.