How to Grow Mint Plants
A mint family is a group of hardy perennials found throughout North America. Most types of mint can be used as a ground cover as an indispensable culinary herb or even as a remedy.
From well-known varieties like mint and spearmint to specialties like chocolate mint pineapple mint or apple mint, it's an easy-to-grow essential part of any herb garden.
1. starter plants. The easiest and most common way to grow mint is with rooted starter plants in nursery Containers (sometimes these are biodegradable and can be dropped directly into the ground). If the soil is very dry and the container is difficult to gently remove moisture and allow it to drain. The n (if necessary) gently lift the plant out of the container by wiggling it from side to side. lightly Massage the roots and place them into a burrowed hole about five inches deep. If planting a biodegradable container leave only the edges of the container visible above the soil. If planting multiple mints keep them at least two feet apart from each other; given time they will easily cover the space between them.
2. seed. Growing mint plants from seed require planning. Germinate indoors before transferring seedlings to an outdoor space. Place 2-3 seeds evenly every few inches in well-drained dirt or fermented pods. When the first few leaves appear transplant them into a large container and place They are outdoors.
How to Grow Mint from Cuttings
From a healthy vigorous mint plant (think 5 inches of lower leaves removed and trimmed just below the newest leaf node) Insert cuttings directly into the soil or in a glass of water until roots form then transfer to the soil middle Well-drained planters or garden beds.
How to Grow Mint Indoors Growing mint indoors is a great way to keep things feeling summery even when the weather has turned outside. Place potted mint plants on a windowsill with full direct sunlight throughout the day keeping the soil moist but not saturated (a good rule of thumb It is to water deeply when the first inch of soil dries out).
How to Care for Mint Plants
1. Give it some sun. Fruity aromatic mint takes very little time to start: happy in full sun and relatively shady places too. In warm environments, mint benefits from partial shade, and many mint varieties with more delicate variegated leaves need a little More sun protection.
2. Drain. Mint likes slightly moist soil a standard potting mix works well in a pot with adequate drainage and its official growing season begins in spring just after the last frost.
3. give it space. Mint is a notorious spreader with horizontal roots If given the chance it will relentlessly conquer the roots of nearby plants so it is best to isolate it in a pot or plant it near companion plants for better control of spread.
4. cover. Surrounding outdoor mint with mulch will help keep the soil moist and leaves clean of aphids And weeds are at bay said to be a useful spread deterrent. Harvesting mint early and often is the best way to control your plants.
How to Harvest Mint Harvesting
How to Harvest Mint Harvesting mint is key to plant health and it's easy to do. Pick leaves as needed or use a pair of garden shears or shears to cut larger sprigs an inch off the ground. Try a fork cut above any new leaves to allow young branches to thrive on either side. Pinch off the flowers as soon as they appear to extend the harvest cycle; letting the plant germinate too long can make the stems and leaves woody and brittle. Use fresh mint leaves to make a refreshing mint tea add them to cocktails like Mint Juleps or Mojitos or mix them with other spices like parsley dill chives and tarragon they make a homegrown herb salad that brightens any vegetable meat or fish dish.