A Complete Guide To Growing Your Own Mint
I'm excited to share with you how to grow one of the most versatile and refreshing herbs out there: mint!
Mint is one of my favorite herbs, as it has so many uses in your cooking, home, and garden. And it is a very easy, rigid grower.
Continue reading to explore different varieties, why mint is a must-have in any garden, and uncover the secrets to successfully growing and nurturing this aromatic plant.
Index:
different Mint Varieties
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of growing mint, let's talk about this herb's wonderful varieties.
From classic spearmint to zesty peppermint and exotic chocolate mint, each offers its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.
Here are some popular ones:
Spearmint
Spearmint is the most common variety of mint, known for its refreshing, slightly sweet flavor. It's widely used in culinary dishes, beverages, and even herbal teas. Spearmint is also known for its medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and relieving nausea.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a hybrid mint cross between watermint and spearmint. It has a more robust menthol flavor than spearmint, making it a popular choice for candies, desserts, and minty beverages. Peppermint is also prized for its soothing properties and is often used to alleviate headaches and promote respiratory health.
Chocolate Mint
As the name suggests, chocolate mint offers a delightful chocolatey aroma and flavor. It's perfect for adding a unique twist to desserts, cocktails, and even savory dishes. Chocolate mint also boasts the same medicinal properties as other mint varieties, making it both delicious and beneficial.
Orange Mint
Orange mint, also known as bergamot mint, features a citrusy aroma and flavor with hints of orange. It adds a bright, refreshing zing to beverages, fruit salads, and desserts. Orange mint is also often used to make fragrant potpourri or infused into oils and vinegar.
Apple Mint
Apple mint offers a subtle apple-like flavor and fragrance, making it a delightful addition to fruit salads, beverages, and desserts. Its mild flavor pairs well with various ingredients, making it a versatile herb for culinary experimentation.
Pineapple Mint
Pineapple mint features variegated leaves with a pineapple-like aroma and flavor. It adds a tropical twist to cocktails, fruit salads, and herbal teas. Pineapple mint is also prized for its ornamental value, thanks to its attractive foliage.
Who knew that you could get all these fun varieties?!
Why you need to grow mint
So, why should you consider adding mint to your garden?
Well, besides its delightful flavor, mint boasts many health benefits. It aids digestion, freshens breath, and can even repel pests in your garden.
Plus, having fresh mint on hand means you can elevate your dishes with a simple snip of the leaves. This is one of the things I love most about gardening!
I also love that mint attracts beneficial insects such as butterflies, bees, and hoverflies. The mint plant is rich in nectar and pollen and helps to pollinate other plants and crops.
But, there are so many more uses for mint in your home!
Here are 10 ways to use fresh mint in your home and garden!
I also love making this refreshing peppermint sun tea!
One of the many things I like to make with mint!
How to grow mint
Mint is not a fussy plant and is relatively easy to grow! You can grow mint from seed or cuttings.
Growing mint from seed
Growing mint from seed can be more challenging than cuttings, but it's certainly possible with the right approach.
Here's a step-by-step guide to growing mint from seed:
1. Start Indoors: Mint seeds can be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date in your area. This gives them a head start and ensures they're ready to transplant into the garden once the weather warms up.
2. Choose the Right Container: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed starting mix. Make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
3. Plant the Seeds: Sow mint seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. You can plant multiple seeds per container, but space them out to avoid overcrowding once they germinate.
4. Provide Warmth and Moisture: Place the seed trays in a warm, sunny location, such as near a south-facing window or under grow lights. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. You can cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to help retain moisture.
5. Germination: Mint seeds typically germinate within 7-15 days under optimal conditions. Keep an eye on the trays and remove the coverings once the seeds sprout.
6. Thin Seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, thin them out to give each plant enough space to grow. Remove the weaker seedlings, leaving only the strongest ones in each container.
7. Harden Off Seedlings: Before transplanting mint seedlings outdoors, it's essential to harden them off gradually. This involves exposing them to outdoor conditions gradually over a week or two. Start by placing them outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight and wind.
Read more: What does it mean to harden off plants?
8. Transplant Outdoors: Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are hardened off, it's time to transplant them into the garden. Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Space the seedlings about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate airflow and prevent overcrowding.
9. Care for Seedlings: Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist as they establish themselves in their new environment. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
10. Monitor Growth: Keep an eye on your mint plants as they grow, and provide regular care as needed. Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier growth, and harvest leaves as desired for culinary use.
Growing mint from cuttings
Growing mint from cuttings is often the simplest and quickest way.
Here's a step-by-step guide to growing mint from cuttings:
1. Select Healthy Stem Cuttings: Choose a healthy, mature mint plant from which to take cuttings. Look for 4-6 inches long stems and free from any signs of damage or disease. Ideally, select stems that have not yet flowered for best results.
2. Prepare the Cuttings: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to take cuttings from the selected mint plant. Cut just below a leaf node, where leaves emerge from the stem. Remove lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top.
3. Rooting Hormone (Optional): While not strictly necessary, dipping the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone can encourage faster root development. Rooting hormone can be found at most garden centers and nurseries.
4. Plant the Cuttings: Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix or a mixture of perlite and vermiculite. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or your finger and insert the cut end of the mint cutting into the hole. Gently press the soil around the cutting to hold it in place.
5. Water Thoroughly: After planting the cuttings, water them thoroughly to settle the soil around the stems and provide moisture to the roots. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
6. Provide Humidity: Mint cuttings benefit from high humidity during the rooting process. You can create a mini-greenhouse environment by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it inside a propagation tray with a clear lid.
7. Place in Indirect Light: Position the pot of mint cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can cause the cuttings to dry out too quickly.
8. Monitor and Maintain: Check the cuttings regularly to ensure the soil remains moist and mist them with water if necessary to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots developing from the base of the cuttings.
9. Transplanting: Once the mint cuttings have developed a healthy root system, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. Choose a location with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
I do want to warn you, though, against planting in your beds; more on this later!
With patience and proper care, you can successfully grow mint from seed or cuttings and enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs straight from your garden.
When can you plant mint?
Mint can be planted in the garden during the springtime once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. The exact timing will depend on your specific climate and growing zone.
In regions with mild winters and early springs, you can plant mint outdoors as early as March or April. However, if you live in an area with colder winters and later springs, you may need to wait until May or early June to plant mint safely.
Before planting mint, it's essential to check the local frost dates for your area and monitor soil temperatures. Mint prefers soil temperatures of at least 55°F (13°C) for optimal growth.
Planting too early when the soil is still cold can slow down germination and stunt the growth of young mint plants.
If you're unsure when to plant mint in your area, you can start seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors once the weather warms up.
Where to plant mint
When it comes to location, mint isn't too picky.
Mint prefers moist, well-drained, and composted soil, preferably planted where it will be exposed to the full morning sun with light shade in the afternoon.
A position in full shade is not ideal as plants become more prone to fungal diseases. You should plant mint about 25cm apart.
But here's the warning I mentioned earlier:
Mint are voracious growers that will spread their runners and take over a bed if you don't contain them! This is a hard garden lesson I have learned!
So I advise (and so will many others) that you contain them in troughs, pots, tubs, or hanging baskets with adequate drainage.
If you really want to plant them in-ground or in your garden beds, try this:
Dig a trench about 30cm deep and line the sides with 33cm wide strips of thick black plastic. Add your soil and compost into the plastic bag and plant the mint at the same height as it was in the pot.
Another option is to plant the mint in a pot and sink the pot into the ground. Trim the runners around the pot regularly to prevent it from taking over.
This is a great way to contain mint when planted with other plants! *Image from Bonnie Plants
Can you grow mint indoors?
Yes! Mint is an excellent herb for indoor growing, allowing you to enjoy fresh herbs year-round, regardless of outdoor conditions.
Here's how to successfully grow mint indoors:
1. Select a Suitable Container: Choose a large container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Mint has a vigorous root system, so opt for a pot at least 12 inches in diameter to provide ample space for growth.
2. Choose the Right Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix of slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Adding some perlite or vermiculite to the soil mix can improve drainage and aeration.
3. Provide Adequate Light: Mint prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates partial shade. Place your mint plant near a south or west-facing window where it can receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with grow lights to ensure your mint gets the light it needs.
4. Maintain Proper Temperature and Humidity: Mint thrives in average room temperatures between 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Keep your indoor environment well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup, which can lead to fungal issues.
5. Water Regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water your mint plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as mint prefers consistently moist conditions.
6. Fertilize Occasionally: Mint doesn't require heavy fertilization, but you can feed your indoor plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall).
7. Prune Regularly: Regular pruning helps keep mint plants compact and encourages bushy growth. Pinch off the top growth regularly to promote branching and prevent legginess. You can also harvest leaves for culinary use as needed, which is a form of natural pruning.
How fast does mint grow?
Mint is a rapid-growing herb that can quickly take over your garden if left unchecked!
On average, mint plants can grow from 1 to 2 feet tall in a single growing season. In ideal conditions with plenty of sunlight, water, and fertile soil, mint can even grow several inches per week during the peak growing season.
One of the factors contributing to mint's rapid growth is its extensive root system, which allows it to spread horizontally and send up new shoots wherever it finds suitable conditions. This makes mint an excellent ground cover plant but can also become invasive if not properly contained.
Regular pruning and maintenance are essential to controlling mint's growth and preventing it from taking over your garden. Pinching back the stems and harvesting leaves regularly not only promotes bushier growth but also helps keep the plant in check.
Does mint need a lot of water?
Mint prefers consistently moist soil but doesn't like to be waterlogged. While it's not a particularly thirsty plant, it does require regular watering to thrive.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine the right watering schedule for your mint plants:
Monitor Soil Moisture: Check the soil's moisture level regularly by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it's time to water your mint.
Watering Frequency: Water your mint plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the size of your container, you may need to water your mint every 2-3 days during hot, dry weather.
Watering Technique: When watering mint, aim to moisten the soil evenly without saturating it. Water the plant at the base rather than overhead to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Avoid Overwatering: While mint enjoys moist soil, it's essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Ensure the pot has proper drainage to allow excess water to escape freely, and empty any saucers or trays underneath the pot to prevent water from accumulating.
Mulch: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or straw, around your mint plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Be sure not to mulch too close to the stems to prevent moisture-related problems.
Adjust Watering Based on Conditions: Adjust your watering frequency based on environmental conditions. During cooler weather or reduced sunlight, your mint plants may require less water. Conversely, during hot, dry spells, you may need to increase watering frequency to keep the soil consistently moist.
Does mint need fertilizer?
Mint is a relatively low-maintenance herb and doesn't require heavy fertilization. However, providing some nutrients can help promote healthy growth and maximize your harvest.
If you start off with good soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and soil structure, you will have a good foundation of nutrients for your mint plants to thrive.
If you want to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) or opt for organic fertilizers (which we prefer!)
Fertilize mint plants sparingly, as they can be sensitive to excessive nutrients. Apply fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall), starting in early spring after the plants have begun actively growing.
Read more: How to use compost in the garden
Companion planting with mint
I love companion planting in the garden, it has so many benefits!
Mint has a strong scent that repels and controls aphids and other insects on nearby plants.
If flowering heads are not cut back, mint can attract helpful insects such as wasps and hoverflies, which will help manage aphids.
Good mint companion plants
Grow mint near tomatoes, chamomile, peas, peppers, brassicas, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and marigolds to benefit each other.
Bad mint companion plant
Parsley and mint don't get along. One of them will not thrive if planted together. You should also not plant mint too close to oregano, rosemary, basil, lavender, sage, thyme, chamomile, parsley, and strawberry. Since mint is so vigorous and hardy, it will pull nutrients away from these herbs.
Read more: 23 Herbs and flowers for organic pest control in the garden
And there you have it, friend – a crash course in growing mint!
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice plant enthusiast, mint is a fantastic addition to any garden, and I encourage you to just start and try!
I think you’ll love these blogs too:
Growing herbs: all the essentials to know to get you started
Growing chives from seed or bulbs
Happy growing!
Annette xx