Growing mint is very easy, can be started anytime as long as you got some decent lighting and does well in containers. I would NOT plant in a raised bed as it is very invasive and hard to control. Much easier to grow in a planter or container to keep under control, mint will litteraly take over an entire garden bed.

Expect a long germination time, I think I waited almost a month for them to germinate. When they did, I thought it was algae growing on top of the soil. There may be some ways to make it faster, like soaking them before planting.

I agree with chuckwagon find a good container. OTOH, if it takes over your lawn, mowing smell all that much better!

It's so easy to grow mint from cuttings or a dug up bit of root, that growing from seed sounds difficult. Try Craig's List or just ask your friends and neighbors, and likely you'll find mint plants, even a few different types.

To prevent mint from taking over, it's best to plant it in a container. I reuse old buckets and large food containers, and the mint does great. Usually I'll move my mint into a new pot every couple of years, and I frequently give chunks of root to friends and acquaintances. Mint is one of the few plants that rather likes frequent watering, and it does run the risk of drying out unless the container is very big, or you are watering it very reliably. Then again, even if it half-dies, you'll find it rebounds well.

I've heard that others have planted mint in an island surrounded by mown lawn, which keeps it in check. I once pulled rampant mint out from our roses, and I had heard how hard it is to eliminate so I pulled every bit I could find, and to my surprise, I had gotten it all and it didn't grow back!

So far I have germination in 4 out of 6 durapots with Mojito Mint seeds. Took about 8 days only. Still waiting for the Peppermint and Spearmint to germinate.