How to Grow Mint: Step By Step Guide

Growing mint is a great way to add fresh flavor to food, but it also makes a beautiful plant. Mint is a perennial herb that grows from cuttings.

Mint is considered an annual when grown from seed, though some varieties may live longer than others. If you’re growing mint from seeds, keep them moist until germination occurs. After germination, water regularly and apply fertilizer once a month.

Once established, mint needs very little care. But, it does need light to grow well. So place your plants in full sun.

Cover plants with floating row covers during the summer months to prevent pests. Also, use insecticidal soap to control aphids.

Mint is hardy and easy to grow. Once established, mint requires no extra maintenance.

But, mint should never be transplanted from its original location. It can cause root rot, which will kill the plant.

When doing a ground planting mint, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and three times the depth of the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole, backfill soil over the top, and tamp down.

Water after initial planting. Watering helps roots develop and prevents salt buildup.

Here’s how:

Keep plants healthy by fertilizing them monthly. Fertilize once a month using a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Follow label directions.

Use a mulch to help keep moisture. Mulching keeps weeds at bay and reduces evaporation. Be sure to remove any dead leaves from the surface of the soil. These can harbor insects and diseases.

Types Of Mint Plants

Mint is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia and cultivated worldwide. Mint green leaves are used for flavoring food and beverages, and mint oil is used in perfumes.

There are over 100 different species of mint plants, including;

• spearmint (Mentha spicata)
• peppermint (Mentha x Piperita)
• chocolate mint (Mentha arvensis)
• apple mint (Mentha suaveolens)
• orange mint (Mentha citrifolia)
• pineapple mint (Mentha carpinifolia)

Mints are available in two forms: fresh and dried. Dried mint leaves are often used in tea blends, and some varieties can be grown indoors in pots or hanging baskets. Fresh minty leaves are usually added to salads or cooked dishes.

Mints can be planted in the ground or containers. They grow well in full sun and average temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. The soil should be rich, moist, and acidic.

Mints need regular watering during dry periods. Some varieties need to be fertilized once every three weeks. Maintain healthy plants by removing dead or diseased leaves.

Tips on How To Grow Mint From Seed

Mint is an excellent herb for the kitchen because it adds freshness and minty flavor to dishes. But growing mint from seed can be tricky, especially when watering.

Here are some tips on how to grow mint seeds.

1. Use The Right Seed or Plant

Growing mint is a lot of work, especially when getting started. But there are some things you should consider before planting your seeds.

Choose a type of mint variety that grows well in your climate. There are many types of mints, including spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, apple mint, and pineapple mint.

Each type of mint requires different growing conditions. Select a location where you can increase your mint.

While most plants need sun, mint needs shade. Choose a sunny area near a window or porch.

2. Use a Container or Raised Garden Bed

Mint is a great herb to grow in containers or raised garden beds. Mint grows and needs little water. It’s also very forgiving when it comes to soil conditions.

Mint makes a great addition to any container or raised garden bed because it spreads out, grows on almost any soil type, and thrives in sunlight or shade.

3. Use Correct Garden Tools

Mint is an easy herb to grow, but you need a green thumb and the right tools. When growing kinds of mint, be sure to use organic fertilizer and keep the soil moist. 

To prolong the life of the mint, prune it regularly. Pruning helps the mint family grow stronger. When harvesting the mint, be sure to use scissors or a knife.

4. Use the Correct Type of Soil

Prepare the soil before planting your seed. It includes adding compost, fertilizer, and mulch. Mulching helps keep moisture in the ground and prevents weeds.

Once your mint starts growing, be patient. It takes several weeks for mint seedlings to mature. And remember, patience is a virtue.

How to Start Seed Indoors?

Plant seeds indoors in early spring when temperatures are warm enough for plants to germinate. Plant seedlings in small pots filled with premium potting soil.

Place the pots on a sunny windowsill until the roots begin to grow when the seedling reaches 1 inch tall, transplant the seedlings outdoors.

Space them 2 inches apart, and water regularly. Mints thrive in full sun, but they also tolerate partial shade.

Mint is a great herb to grow outdoors because it likes hot weather and full sun. Mint grows quickly and needs only regular watering.

Find out more here about What Seeds To Start Indoors

How to Start Mint Outdoors?

Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball to plant mint. Fill the void with water and place the mint in the hole. The roots should be covered with soil.

Water regularly until the plants begin to sprout. Then add mulch to keep weeds at bay.

How to Care for Mint?

If you’re thinking about growing mint in your garden, you need to know how to care for mint. Mint is a perennial herb that grows well in most climates. It needs full sun and regular water.

To grow mint, plant seeds in springtime after the moist soil has warmed up. Plant them 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. They should be watered until the plants begin to bloom.

After flowering, trim off the flower stalks. The smooth leaves turn green when they’re ready to harvest. To harvest, pull the true leaves off the stem.

Once the clip leaves are harvested, please place them in a paper bag and store them in the refrigerator. Use them within two weeks.

Last Words

The Mint plant is a perennial herb with heart-shaped wet leaves and white, fragrant flowers. Mint grows best in the cool, moist, fertile, well-drained soil layer.

It is generally grown for foliage and scent and is used on the borders of gardens.

You can use mint leaves in many ways. Try adding them to salads, omelets, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Or, eat them straight out of hand.

You can also add fresh mint leaves to tea, coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and cocktails.

Furthermore, find out also here if Are Thin Mints Vegan