If properly taken care of, your mint plant will give you an endless supply of leaves all season long! Just follow these instructionsto keep your plant not only healthy, but also keep it from overtaking all of your other plants! You need to take precautions to keep this plant from spreading itself all across your yard. Thanks to this, "My mint is in a pot and growing like crazy. To harvest in quantity, cut stems to within an inch or so above the ground. At first, mints develop into well-behavedlooking, bushy, upright clumps, but they soon set out to conquer new territory with horizontal runners and underground rhizomes. How To Plant Mint Bonnie Plants 16.9K subscribers Subscribe 575 Share 147K views 8 years ago Planting How-To's Learn how to plant mint the right way, so you can grow a lot of this tasty herb. 1 Take a cutting from a pre-existing mint plant. If you're planting multiple seedlings, plant them 6 inches apart to give them plenty of growing space! Divide your mint every few years . I have a couple of areas where I have not been able to grow anything so mint will be the last resort. To plant cuttings directly in the soil, you can use a rooting hormone. Frequent harvesting is the key to keeping mint plants at their best. Debra is a member of The Spruce Garden Review Board. Leave at least three inches of mint stem (from the ground). Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along streambanks. Make sure the pot has drainage holes, or else the roots may rot, and the mint will die. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Plant it in a container with drainage holes and set it where it can get a generous amount of light, either natural or from a grow light. Learn more about the, Mint is a symbol of virtue. Because mint is an aggressive spreader, keep it separated from your regular garden beds or it will consume nutrients and overgrow other plants in the bed. They will quickly develop roots and can be grown in the water-filled jar for a few weeks or months, depending on the growing conditions. ], The 5 Signs your Plants Need Filtered Water. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. Plant mint in fertile, well-draining soil. If you intend to eat your mint, it's best to avoid any pesticides, even natural ones. Thanks for the info on how to grow mint outdoors safely, The Girl with a Shovel | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | All Rights Reserved. How to grow mint - in pots and borders | Homes & Gardens A single seedling should be enough for one container. Don't forget to add some Catmint to your variety. Since mint grows so quickly, it doesnt require much fertilizer in good quality soil. Let me know if you are confused in any way or if you have more questions! instructions. Add more soil to the pot if necessary, so it reaches about an inch below the container's top. Put the containers in an area that receives bright light, water consistently (but do not let the soil become soggy), and inspect the plant regularly for pests. Mint is a vigorous grower and needs to be contained, or it will send out its runners and spread all over your garden. Although it's ideal to grow mint in containers, it can be planted in the garden in zones 4 to 11. Mint is invasive, meaning that it will spread quickly if in the correct environment. <:-(. Cut a series of 8cm stems from a mint plant and remove the bottom leaves. Otherwise, the herb will take over your garden and lawn in an annoying . I wouldnt add any perlite or sand or it might dry out too quickly. Its easytake 6-inch cuttings of rooted stems and plant them horizontally in the soil. Plant one seedling in a 10-inch (or smaller) container. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. it in large pot and it smells wonderful but I don't know what to use it in or how to use it, In reply to how to use Chocolate mint by Virginia Gallion (not verified). This week we talk about growing mint in containers. Deb Wiley's goal as a writer and editor is to bring the joy of gardening to readers by cultivating their relationship to growing and planting. This can be done by starting seeds indoors or outdoors, in the ground or in containers. Most will grow in sun or partial shade; the variegated types may require some protection from directsun. Use your freshly harvested mint as garnish for various recipes or in mixed drinks, salads, soups, tea, baked goods, and more. very effective, freshens the areas and I love peppermint tea. ", Growing mint from seed is challenging because the seed is very small. Zones 59, Lemon mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrata) offers citrusy undertones. Growing Mint Indoors Using Soil vs Hydroponics vs Microgreens Growing Mint Indoors Using Soil. Mint can also survive in fairly shady conditions, though it might be leggy and not produce as many or as flavorful leaves. Do I cut the old stems down to the ground now? Lemon balm also has larger leaves and grows taller than mint. Use a soil-based compost and replant with fresh compost every couple of years. Start with a small cutting from an established plant. This amount of growth should take about two months if you are growing plants from seed or less time if you buy nursery plants. The easiest way to start growing mint indoors is to take a cutting from an existing plant. Mint will benefit from springtime rainfall. Mint can also be chopped and frozen to maintain its aroma. The plant will go dormant, but it will likely regrow in the spring once you bring it back outside after the temperatures warm. This article received 16 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Place the pot where it will get around six hours of sunlight on most days. It seemed to work but a similar hole appeared about six feet away. Mint can be grown indoors in a pot. Since this is an edible plant, just be sure to use organic fertilizer.. Support wikiHow by This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Be mindful about where you place the container. Mint can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days, but its freshest flavors are most prominent within the first day of harvesting. March 4, 2023 by Gretchen Heber Mentha spp. Maintaining lightly moistbut not soggysoil is the ideal environment for mint. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Its small white or purple summer-blooming flowers attract bees, butterflies,and other pollinators. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It also goes with peas, zucchini, fresh beans, marinades for summer vegetables, cold soups, fruit salads, andcheese. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix. Enjoy! Popular mint varieties include: Lemon balm is part of the mint family, but it tastes and smells different than other typical types of mints. Not all mints taste the same. Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) adds a fresh, fruity flavor, as you would expect from its name. Please use the share buttons to share it with your friends or to save it to your social media account! Ideally, you will have a container mix in a pot or a well-draining humus soil in the landscape, but mint will grow in clay or sandier soilas long as its consistently moist, says McEnaney. 8. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mint Plant Care - How to Grow Mint Plants | Apartment Therapy Mint plants grow quickly, typically taking about two months to reach a harvestable size after being planted as seeds. % of people told us that this article helped them. Approved. I personally read every single one of them! It's tough and easy to grow, but the downside of its hardiness is that, if you're not careful, it can spread aggressively and become a weedy problem. Pinch back the stem tips as they regrow. I was looking for information on planting mint sprigs, and I got it here. Remove the lower few leaves and place the cutting in a clean glass of water, making sure the cutting gets good airflow and sun. Mint is usually not affected by pests or diseases. Mint is an extremely versatile herbit can be used for cooking, as a pest repellent, and to attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies. For information onindoor mint plant care, check out my posthere!**. Debra LaGattuta is a Master Gardener with 30+ years of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Mint temperature tolerance dependson the species you are growing, but in general, these plants are widely adaptable. by Denise T (not verified). 11 Types of Mint to Grow in Your Garden - The Spruce If placing the pot in the garden, add a double layer of landscaping cloth inside the pot over the drainage holes to prevent the roots from sneaking out of the container and into the surrounding soil. Mint is very easy to grow from cuttings: Prune off vigorous new shoots and put in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill to quickly develop roots. You can also just pick the leaves as you needthem. If you are sowing directly into the garden, consider placing a row cover over the seeds until they sprout. Water to evenly moisten the soil. More litter and the critters got the idea until this year. Gently loosen the roots before replanting it in the new pot, then water it thoroughly and care for the plant as usual. To repot the plant as a whole, remove it from its pot. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. unlocking this expert answer. Mint stems will also root in a glass of water. You can also use pearlite or vermiculite instead of a polymer. If you notice the foliage of your mint wilting, that's typically a sign the plant needs more moisture. Tip! Be aware, though, that if your plant is coming from a garden center or from a sales location that is indoors,it will need to be slowly acclimated to a full-sun position. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. No matter the type you choose to grow and harvest, you'll find that the herb's adaptability and resilience makes it easy to grow and cultivate, even for novice gardeners. Space mint plants 12 to 18 apart. How to Grow Mint - Tips for Growing Peppermint - Good Housekeeping Years ago a golf ball sized hole popped up overnight in my parking area. **This post is geared towards growing mint outdoors. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Mint will die back after a few years if it is growing outside. If you are growing your mint indoors, increase humidity by misting the plant between waterings or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles. Place it by a bright window and away from any drafts or hot air blowing from heaters. Not only does mint add flavor to foods and tea, but also its useful for health remedies such as aiding digestion. Youll know roots have formed when you can gently tug on the stem and feel resistance. It's a flavorful addition to a simple glass of still or sparkling water. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Since it was right near where I got out when I parked, I didn't want to turn my ankle or provide an open invitation for additional holes so I decided to pour some used kitty litter (no poops included) down the hole and covered it over again. "It's not overly particular about soil or light exposure. How To Grow Mint Indoors & Outdoors - Kellogg Garden Organics Most types of mint take well to container growth, providing lush leaves that you can use in recipes and simply enjoy the scent of. I kicked some gravel into the hole and tamped it down. If you want to plant outdoors, wait for about two weeks to allow the plant to get established. This wasn't a scientific survey by any means, but if you're having problems with diggers in your lawn or garden and have a supply of mint it's worth a try before using chemicals or nasty traps. Mint grows best in partial shade. Mint practically grows itself! You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter. I assumed it was a mole/vole or some such critter. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mint plants do well in moist soil conditions. Read our. Soil The adaptability of peppermint is one of its best features; it is also one of its worst features, allowing it to grow almost anywhere, making it a nuisance. Whether growing mint outdoors or indoors in pots, the plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, How to Grow and Care for Chocolate Cosmos, How to Grow and Care for Bigleaf Periwinkle, How to Grow and Care for Sungold Tomatoes. Avoid Temperature Extremes. Instead, knock off insects using a strong jet of water from a garden hose, being sure to spray the undersides of the leaves, where pests like to hide. Fill the pot with high-quality potting soil and amend it with aged compost or something similar. Rolling it between your fingers, youll notice a pungent scent and think of candy, sweet teas, or maybe even mintjuleps. Also, feel free to leave any comments or questions below! (Important Facts) Mint can be grown outside in a border or in containers on a patio, and, even if you don't have a garden, you can still grow a good crop in pots on a windowsill. Mint isn't too picky about sunlight. Once the seedling is a few inches tall (and the threat of frost has passed) you can plant it in the ground or in a pot. then I would only add a layer of compost to the soil and only if the soil is drying out too much between watering. Follow the label instructions of your specific fertilizer to dilute it as needed. Not only will this keep it healthy, but it will also enhance the flavor of your mint. You can make several harvests, depending on the length of . You can also plant mint in its own raised bed container, on a bare spot in your garden that you would like to fill in, or section off part of your garden with bricks or timbers to create a barrier for the mint. Make sure water is able to run out of the drainage holes, and do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. In zones 5 to 7, mint can be planted in April. Your outdoor mint plants need at least an equivalent of 5+ hours of direct sun [DLI of 15+ mol/m/day] to grow successfully. Mint fares best in a damp, moist area with well-draining soil, but also in a spot that's in either full sun or part shade.