Growing mint is a great way to start your home garden. Not only is mint highly aromatic, but it also makes excellent teas and seasonings, filling your home with its delightful scent.
Previously on our blog, we’ve covered how to plant rosemary, chamomile with tea bags, and how to care for thyme. Mint completes the set of easy-to-grow herbs for homes and apartments, as it can be grown in pots and thrives with minimal effort.
Mint is cultivated worldwide and is used in a variety of recipes. This culinary herb is delicious and versatile, whether fresh or dried.
How to Care for Mint
The most commonly grown variety is the common mint, but some people also grow peppermint at home. The difference between the two is that peppermint has a much spicier flavor than common mint.
How to Grow Mint
The biggest challenge in growing mint isn’t getting it to germinate or grow—it’s controlling its spread! Once mint starts to develop, it can proliferate rapidly. Therefore, it’s essential to plant it in a separate pot or physically separate it from other plants in your garden to prevent it from becoming invasive. Make sure to have a designated pot for mint or create a physical barrier in your garden bed.
Mint is a perennial and extremely hardy plant. It grows year-round, especially in warm climates.
Planting Mint in Small Pots
Planting mint in small pots can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy aromatic dishes. This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to make planting in small pots easy and enjoyable.
- Choose the Right Pot Size
– The larger the pot, the more space mint will have to grow. A 20 cm (8-inch) pot is ideal for growing mint at home. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow water to escape and prevent root rot. Place small stones or pieces of broken pottery at the bottom before adding soil, and avoid using saucers.
- Select Quality Soil
– The right soil is crucial for healthy mint growth. Choose fertile, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Opt for organic soil without artificial additives to preserve the true flavor of the mint. Fill the pot halfway with this quality soil.
- Plant the Stems or Seeds
– Once you have the right soil, it’s time to plant. If you have mint stems, plant them carefully, partially covering them with soil up to the tips of the branches before filling the pot completely (leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) from the top). If using seeds, gently press them into the soil.
Mint can also be planted directly from cuttings. The best option is to plant it in dedicated pots. However, if you prefer to plant it in the ground or in a garden box, use a physical barrier like a large plastic pot buried with at least 2 cm (1 inch) above the soil.
- Water Daily According to Local Climate
– Mint needs daily watering, though the amount may vary depending on the local climate. Keep the soil slightly moist on hot or sunny days. In cooler or rainy weather, you can water less frequently. Overwatering can weaken and rot the roots.
By following these steps, you’ll have a thriving mint plant that enhances your home garden and provides fresh, aromatic leaves for your culinary creations.
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