Where to Plant Mint
For robust mint plants with intense flavor, choose a sunny spot in rich soil with consistent moisture. Mint tolerates part shade but thrives in full sun. Consider planting mint near your kitchen in containers for easy access.
Planting Mint: How and When
In winter, space mint nursery containers 18-24 inches apart. Improve drainage by adding compost to the garden bed. Dig a hole slightly larger than the nursery container, set the plant, and water well. It grows well in containers, making it ideal for small spaces.
Mint Care Tips
- Light: The plant adapts to various soils but prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
- Soil and Water: Keep the area around mint weed-free. Water every two to three days to maintain slightly moist soil.
- Temperature and Humidity: Mint thrives in temperatures of 65°F-70°F and grows in zones 2-10. It prefers 40-50% humidity.
- Fertilizer: Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer for in-ground mint. Liquid fertilizer works well for container-grown mint.
- Pruning: Frequent cutting keeps the mint attractive. Remove flowers and encourage bushier growth by pinching back stems.
Potting and Repotting Mint
Grow mint indoors in a pot with drainage holes. Repot every two years into a larger container with fresh soil.
Pests and Problems
Mint can suffer from diseases like verticillium wilt and mint rust. Remove affected plants promptly. Combat pests like spider mites and aphids using water spray.
Propagating Mint
- Stem Cuttings: Take 3- to 5-inch stem cuttings, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in potting soil.
- Divisions: Separate rhizomes and roots from outdoor mint. Replant immediately.
- Seeds: Sow seeds thinly in a container with drainage holes. Germinate indoors and move outdoors after the last frost.
Harvesting Mint
You can Harvest mint in the morning before the leaves warm up. Use fresh leaves immediately or freeze them. Hang stems upside down or store leaves and flowers in airtight containers to air-dry mint.
