Mint Herb Growing Guide

Written By Jennifer Bruce

Mint is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries for its refreshing aroma and flavor, as well as for its medicinal properties. Mint has been cultivated and naturalized in many other parts of the world and can now be found growing in a variety of climates. There are many different varieties of mint, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint, each with its own unique flavor profile. Follow this herb growing guide to learn more about how you can have mint in your home garden.

Mint plants typically need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow well. However, they can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot climates. If your mint is not getting enough sunlight, it may become leggy and produce fewer leaves. It is a good idea to place your mint plant in a location where it will receive plenty of direct sunlight, especially in the morning. This will help to ensure that it receives the energy it needs to grow and produce flavorful leaves.

  • Mentha

  • Great for Beginners

  • 7-14 days

  • Summer

  • 2-3 months

  • Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Mint plants prefer humid environments and do well in relative humidity levels of 50-70%. To increase the humidity around your mint plant, you can mist the leaves with water, set the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or use a humidifier in the room where the plant is located.

Mint plants prefer cool temperatures and will grow best in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It is important to protect mint plants from frost, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures. If you live in an area with frost, it is best to grow mint in containers that can be moved indoors when the weather turns cold, or to cover the plants with a frost blanket.

Mint plants should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. To water your mint plant, use room temperature water and try to water the soil around the base of the plant rather than the leaves. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the mint leaves to wilt and become discolored, but be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot.

  • This type of mint is native to Europe and has a strong, refreshing flavor with a cool, menthol-like finish. It is one of the most popular varieties of mint and is commonly used in teas, candies, and other sweet treats.

  • Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean and has a milder, sweeter flavor than peppermint. It is often used to add flavor to drinks, such as mojitos, and is also popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.

  • As the name suggests, apple mint has a flavor that is similar to that of green apples. It is native to Europe and is often used in salads and desserts.

  • This variety of mint has a rich, chocolatey flavor and aroma that is perfect for adding a minty twist to chocolate-based desserts. It is a hybrid of peppermint and spearmint and is native to North America.

Mint plants prefer a well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and will grow well in a wide range of soil types as long as the soil is moist and has good drainage. To ensure that your mint plant has the best possible growing conditions, it is a good idea to mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting and to add a balanced fertilizer to the soil once or twice a month. If planting in a container, use a pot with drainage holes and a potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or vegetables.

Here are six steps for starting mint from seed:

  1. Choose a container: Select a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or vegetables.

  2. Sow the seeds: Scatter the mint seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them down.

  3. Cover the seeds: Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds to cover them.

  4. Water the seeds: Water the soil gently, taking care not to wash the seeds away.

  5. Place the container in a warm, sunny location: Mint seeds germinate best in warm, sunny conditions.

  6. Keep the soil moist: Water the soil as needed to keep it evenly moist. It may take up to two weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to leave the strongest seedlings to grow on.

The best time to harvest mint is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the leaves will be at their most flavorful and aromatic. You can also harvest mint at any time during the growing season, as needed. Simply cut the stems just above a leaf node using a pair of scissors or garden shears. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and keep it looking healthy and vigorous.

Companions Plants of Mint

Mint is a versatile herb that grows well with a wide range of companion plants, such as tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, carrots, lettuce, peas, potatoes, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Mint can help to repel pests that attack these plants, such as aphids, whiteflies, cabbage moths, flea beetles, carrot flies, slugs, and potato bugs. In addition, mint can help to attract beneficial insects, such as bees, which can help to pollinate pea plants.

  1. Dry the mint leaves: There are several ways to dry mint leaves, including air-drying, using a food dehydrator, or drying them in the oven on a low heat setting.

  2. Grind the dried mint leaves: Once the mint leaves are fully dried, use a spice grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle to grind them into a fine powder.

  3. Store the mint spice: Transfer the ground mint to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, you can freeze the mint spice in an airtight container for longer storage.

Note: If you prefer, you can also add the dried and ground mint to a jar and mix it with other dried spices to create a unique seasoning blend.

For more information on drying herbs visit our post, check out the Ultimate Guide For Drying Herbs.

Here is a list of some common diseases and pests that can affect mint plants:

Diseases:

Pests:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), mint plants are not toxic to cats and dogs. However, some pets may still be attracted to the scent of the mint and may chew on the leaves or stems. This can cause digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet ingests a large amount of mint, it is a good idea to monitor them for any signs of illness and to contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

  • Mint plants have a tendency to spread rapidly and can become invasive in some situations. If allowed to grow freely, mint plants can take over an entire garden bed or even a larger area. It is important to keep this in mind when growing mint and to take steps to contain the plant if necessary. One way to do this is to grow mint in containers or to plant it in a specific area of the garden and use physical barriers, such as a raised bed or a container with sides, to keep the mint from spreading. This will help to prevent the mint from taking over your garden.

  • Mint grows relatively quickly and can produce new leaves and shoots within a few weeks of being planted.

  • Mint plants can be grown year-round in a number of different ways, including indoors in pots or containers with adequate sunlight and water, in greenhouses, using hydroponic systems, or outdoors in frost-tolerant climates with extra protection during the winter months. The key to successful year-round mint growth is providing the plants with the right combination of sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Jennifer Bruce
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