Mint is a herbaceous plant that comes in many different varieties, which require little maintenance and last for many years if you take care of it properly. However, the plant is quite invasive and can compete with others nearby to absorb resources from the soil if you don't take action. To grow mint, you need to plant it in pots or find a way to limit the growth of its roots underground. Mint is also a tasty and versatile herb, which can enrich a fruit salad, lamb or fish dish, or you can make it in a glass of iced tea or a cocktail. If you want to know how to grow this plant, read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting the Mint
Step 1. Take a cutting from an existing mint plant
It is a difficult plant to grow from seed and for some varieties, such as peppermint, it is virtually impossible. Cut a sprig an inch above a knot to allow new branches to grow in its place. The sprig does not need to have many leaves, as they will develop over time. Put it in a glass of water; within a week you will notice small white roots starting to emerge under the water. Wait a few more days or a week to allow the roots to reach a suitable length.
If necessary, add more water. Make sure you change the water every four to five days to prevent it from rotting
Step 2. Purchase a sprout or small mint seedling
You can find both solutions in almost any nursery and garden store. There are many varieties of mint, such as aquatic, country, sylvan, gentile, mint, poleggio, mint, roman and peppermint. Roman mint is often used in cooking; this plant grows fast and spreads just as quickly, so it's perfect if you're a novice gardener.
Step 3. Find a stolon from a current plant
Runners are long branches that grow away from the current plant and develop their roots in the ground. Such branches can be carefully excavated and transplanted. If you have a friend who grows mint, the plants will have runners that could be transplanted.
Part 2 of 4: Plant the Mint
Step 1. Choose the best time to plant it
The ideal time would be spring or autumn if you live in a mild region where no frost is expected. Although it is a hardy plant, it is best to start growing it in optimal climatic conditions.
Step 2. Transfer the seedling or stem with roots to a pot
Potting mint is the most popular method of growing it, because this way you can easily keep it under control, you can also keep it close to the kitchen so you can use its leaves often. The plant spreads quickly and its roots tend to suffocate those of other neighboring plants. This is the main reason why it is best to plant it in a pot without other plants. Get one 30-40cm wide for a single plant.
You should also add a plastic coating to retain water, so that the potting soil always stays moist and doesn't dry out. You can use perlite or vermiculite instead of plastic
Step 3. Plant the root sprig or seedling 5cm deep
If you decide to place more than one seedling, space them 15 cm apart. This gives each of them enough room to grow.
Step 4. Choose a location that is adequately lit by the sun
Whether you decide to plant mint in the ground or in a pot, you need to choose an area that is exposed to the sun in the morning and with partial shade in the afternoon. You need to make sure it is in a place with enough light, but don't let it dry out completely. Mint grows best in deep, moist soil, so be sure to provide it with this type of environment. Eventually you can also decide to keep the pot indoors, on a windowsill, as long as it is in a position where it receives sufficient sunlight.
Step 5. If you decide to plant it in the ground instead, make sure it is a humid area with full sun or partial shade
If you want to grow her in the best conditions, you need to guarantee her fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Although she can grow on her own without special care, a little fertilizer every 2-3 weeks won't hurt. Keep the soil moist by adding some mulch around the plant to protect the roots.
Step 6. If you are planting mint in a flower bed, place it in a container first
If you follow this method, you must first place the plant in a container, such as a pot or mesh bag that is at least 12-13 cm deep. Be sure to leave the edge of the container above ground level so that the root system of the plant stays inside. Otherwise, the mint will start to invade the whole garden and lawn just like a weed.
You can also plant mint in your own flower bed / container, in an empty spot in the garden you'd like to fill, or a section of the garden with a structure made of brick and wood to create a barrier for the mint
Part 3 of 4: Taking Care of Mint
Step 1. Water the plant often during the first year
Test the soil with your finger for moisture. As already mentioned, the soil must be wet, but not soaked. If the mint is exposed to direct sun, you need to water it more often. Check it frequently to make sure it is getting enough water, but not too much.
Step 2. Regularly trim the top of the plant
This prevents her from growing too tall and instead encourages her to put more leaves on the sides. In doing so, you also get a better harvest. When checking the plant to see if it needs water, pay attention to its height as well.
Step 3. Cut the flower buds to keep the plant compact
Mint typically produces small flowers from June to September. You should try to cut the buds before they have a chance to open so the plant doesn't grow out of control. Tear off the flower buds by hand when they appear, so you can also extend the leaf picking season.
Step 4. Thin the plant every 2-3 years
After some time, the mint will have assumed the size of the pot and the roots will be sacrificed inside. Remove it and gently divide it into several seedlings. Eradicate and replant the mint this way every 2-3 years, or even 3-4 years, so you can keep the mint scent and flavor intense.
Step 5. Treat the plant with a fungicide spray if it is attacked by rust
It is a fungus that creates orange-brown spots on the underside of leaves, and is one of the few diseases that mint can suffer from.
Step 6. Pay attention to the presence of pests and diseases
The plant can catch some diseases such as wilt or anthracnose and can be infested with insects such as chrysomelids, borer insects or spider mites. However, mint is quite unlikely to get infested, because the strong smell it gives off keeps most insects and other pests away. The important thing is to ensure good air circulation and make sure the soil is well-draining to keep your plant healthy. If you notice any bugs, spray them with a garden hose.
- You can also optionally wash the leaves with insecticidal soap.
- Be sure to check for pests on the underside of the leaves as well, as they prefer this more hidden side of the plant.
Part 4 of 4: Collect the Mint
Step 1. Collect fresh, green leaves as needed from late spring through early fall
Never remove more than 1/3 of the total leaves at one time, and wait for the plant to grow back before harvesting more. You should only take the amount of leaves you need at that time.
If you want to air dry the mint, you should hang the stems upside down in small bundles or just leave them on a small tray. When the stems and leaves become brittle, you can remove the leaves and place them in airtight containers
Step 2. Collect as much mint as possible before the frost of each season arrives
The roots survive the frost and start growing again the following spring, but the outside of the plant dies. Protect the roots by covering them with a layer of mulch before winter. If you want to harvest the leaves, you should pinch the stems. If the plant is very large and therefore you have a large harvest, wait for the right time before the mint blooms and cut it all off just above the first or second set of leaves.
You can usually harvest a large amount of leaves about three times for each growing season
Step 3. Make good use of your mint
There are an infinite number of possible uses of this aromatic plant and you can basically do what you want with it. However, there are some typical uses that you should be aware of. Here are some suggestions:
- Add it as a side dish to fish, chicken, lamb or another protein dish.
- Use it to flavor vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes.
- Spice up salads like fruit salad, a radish and fig salad, or a walnut and goat cheese salad.
- Use it to make drinks like iced tea, punch, or lemonade.
- Make cocktails with mint, like mojito or Mint Julep.
Advice
- Consider growing peppermint or spearmint so that you have a versatile strain suitable for most culinary purposes. If you want a more distinctive variety, opt for white mint, bergamot, chocolate mint, mint or curly mint, among others.
- Create a barrier around the plant if you want to bury it in the garden. Insert a bottomless pot into the ground and put the roots inside, so you avoid them from spreading and invading too much space.
Warnings
- Prevent potted mint from stretching too far down to touch the ground or other plant pots. Keep in mind that healthy shoots of this plant can take root in the soil, even if they are still attached to the parent plant.
- Collect the leaves before the plant blooms, as this is when they are in their best condition.
