If you enjoy the scent and flavor of mint, you will be happy to know there are many mint varieties out there for you to try. Growing your own mint can be easy, and it is the perfect herb too use in your desserts, teas, home remedies, and more. Take a look below at some helpful tips on how to grow your own mint, a perennial herb that you are sure to enjoy year after year!
How to Grow Mint
How to plant mint seeds/seedlings:
When planting your mint seeds or seedlings, you want to space them about 18 inches apart. Be advised that mint spreads quickly, so place it in an area of your garden where it will be contained or you might find yourself ripping it out for years to come.
Mint enjoys well drained, nutrient rich soil. It can grow in full as well as part sun, and doesn’t seem to prefer more of one condition than the other. You will find mint to be a hardy herb to grow, as it can deal with most growing conditions and still come out thriving!
How to plant mint in containers:
Since mint spreads quickly, it is a great herb to plant in containers. This can help you keep control of it a little easier. Container growing is also ideal if you are limited on space but still want fresh herbs to enjoy. When planting mint in containers, feel free to mix your varieties! 1-2 seedlings per 18 inch pot is ideal, then you can care for the plant as you would if you planted it directly in your garden.
How to care for mint seeds/seedlings:
Mint tends to get harvested often. If this will be the case with you, you might want to add fertilizer to it after the plant has been established for a few days. Regular watering is also necessary, so plan on giving your mint plants 1 inch of water per week, more if the temperature is especially hot and dry. A layer of mulch (one inch will do) is perfect for keeping the roots cool and helping the plant retain moisture between watering.
While mint plants are considered hardy, younger plants tend to be susceptible to pests. Take care to keep pests off your mint plants using a food safe insecticide or by hand picking them off.
Once your mint plants are established, you won’t need to do much else with them. Since they are a perennial you won’t need to replant them each year. You can simply cut them back and mulch over them until the following growing season. Or, if using a container garden, simply bring your mint indoors.
How to harvest mint:
When you are ready to harvest your mint, you will want to pinch it at the stem to remove it. If you need to remove a lot, remove from above the second set of leaves. This is where your flavor will be best. Mint can be used fresh in desserts or drinks, or dried to use in teas and marinades later. Crafters even like to dry mint for sachets and scented blends. If you harvest more than you can use at once, simply dry or freeze the leaves.
Mint is a hardy, wonderful smelling herb plant that is sure to be a welcomed addition to your garden. Give these tips for growing mint a try and see what results you can achieve.
More Herb Garden Tips:
- How to Grow Lavender
- How to Grow Marjoram
- How to Start an Herb Garden
- How to Dry Herbs (3 methods)
- How to Substitute Fresh Herbs for Dried Herbs in Recipes
- Tips for Growing an Indoor Herb Garden
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Christine B. says
“Be advised that mint spreads quickly, so place it in an area of your garden where it will be contained or you might find yourself ripping it out for years to come.” LOL — I learned this the HARD way. I have Mint everywhere! But we use a lot of it so it evens out.