How to Grow Mint

Quick Guide to Growing Mint

Plant mint in spring after the last frost. ...
Space mint plants 18 to 24 inches apart. ...
Give your garden a great foundation by improving native soil with several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. ...
Keep soil consistently moist and water when the top inch becomes dry.

How can I grow mint at home?
Is it easy to grow mint?
What conditions does mint like to grow in?
How do you care for potted mints?
How can I make mint grow faster?
Where should I plant my mint?
Can Mint be grown in pots?
Does Mint come back every year?
Will Mint kill other plants?
Does Mint need a lot of sun?
Why are my mint plants dying?
How often should mint plants be watered?

How can I grow mint at home?

To propagate, place a tall cutting from a healthy, vibrant mint plant (think five inches, lower leaves removed, and trimmed just below the newest leaf nodes) directly into the soil, or sprout cuttings in a glass of water until roots have formed, then transfer to soil in a well-draining pot or garden bed.

Is it easy to grow mint?

Like cilantro and basil, mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow; however, its roots, which are called “runners,” are incredibly invasive: they quickly grow, sprouting new leaves and new plants as they go. Mint will overtake a flower bed or garden in no time if you're not careful.

What conditions does mint like to grow in?

It prefers well-drained, fertile soil in light shade where the roots will stay moist but never become waterlogged. Most mints are invasive, so you may want to restrict their root run by planting in a bottomless bucket sunk into the ground. Or grow them in a pot in free-draining, soil-based compost.

How do you care for potted mints?

One thing mint needs is constantly moist soil with adequate drainage. Mint plants like water, but they cannot withstand soggy soil and wet feet. Upon touch, if the soil feels dry, add water.

How can I make mint grow faster?

Mint spreads rapidly, and its roots have a tendency to choke out the roots of other plants. As a result, it is often best to plant mint in a container without other plants. Use a 12-to-16-inch wide pot for one plant. You should add a water-retaining polymer to the potting soil so that it stays moist and doesn't dry up.

Where should I plant my mint?

Planting

Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in light soil with good drainage.
Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along stream banks.
Most will tolerate some shade, and the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun.

Can Mint be grown in pots?

You can grow an entire pot full of different varieties of mint. Strawberry pots can be great for this, in which you can plant a different mint in each pocket. Some of my favorites to grow in containers are, ginger mint, pineapple mint, chocolate mint, orange mint, and apple mint because they are all low growing plants.

Does Mint come back every year?

Lift and replant your mint every 3 to 4 years to keep your patch's flavor and scent strong. Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring.

Will Mint kill other plants?

If you want to add it to an existing herb bed then the best way is to sink a deep bucket or tub without holes into the soil and plant into that as otherwise mint will quickly choke out the other plants. Apart from that, mint is not a fussy plant and will even grow under trees or in shade.

Does Mint need a lot of sun?

Where: Mint performs its best in full sun, as long as the soil is kept moist, but it also thrives in partial shade. Mint is considered an invasive plant, because it sends out “runners” and spreads vigorously. Don't let that fact deter you from enjoying fresh mint in your garden.

Why are my mint plants dying?

If you plant mint in a pot that is too small, it will grow slowly. Also, the lack of adequate space for its roots and water can result in your mint plant dying. The best soil PH for growing mint is 6.0 to 7.5. ... If you are planting indoors, place the plant at a place where it will get full, all-day sunlight.

How often should mint plants be watered?

Mint plants need about 1 to 2 inches of water every week, depending on the conditions. This includes both rain and your supplemental watering. Mint plants like water, but they cannot withstand soggy soil and wet feet, so monitoring the soil and using it as a guide on when to water is the best option.