March 24, 2024

Best tips for mint plant care

A lot of people want to grow their own mint, but don’t know how to take care of it. 

If you’ve been struggling to keep your mint plant alive, you’re not alone. A lot of people have trouble with this type of plant.

Here are our best tips for mint plant care.

Growing mint from seed

If you want to grow mint from seed, you’ll need to start by planting the seeds in a pot. Follow these simple steps and you should have success.

1. Start by planting the seeds in a pot. Place the seeds in a pot and cover them with soil.

2. Water the seeds and keep them moist. (Learn how to water your plant)

3. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom.

4. Place the pot in a sunny spot. Mint plants need a lot of sunlight, so make sure you place the pot in a sunny spot.

5. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

6. When the seedlings appear, thin them out so that only the strongest ones remain.

7. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, you can transplant them into your garden.

Growing mint from cuttings

If you want to grow your mint plant from cuttings, find a healthy stem to take your cutting from.

1. Fill a pot with well-draining potting mix, and make a hole in the center with your finger. (Learn how to use the soil)

2. Gently insert the cutting about 2 inches deep into the hole.

3. Water the cutting well, and place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.

4. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.

Growing mint in water

If you want to grow mint in water, you will need to place the cutting or seed in a container of water and then place the container in a sunny location.

Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent the mint from rotting. How often you’ll need to change the water will depend on how warm it is where you’re growing the mint.

In general, you’ll need to change the water more often in warmer weather and less often in cooler weather.

You can also add a bit of fertilizer to the water to help the plant grow. Once the plant has grown to a good size, you can then transplant it into soil.

(Learn how to fertilize the plant)

How to propagating mint

Mint can be propagated by seed or cutting. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a container in late winter or early spring. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seedlings should emerge within a few weeks.

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or into your garden.

To propagate by cutting, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy mint plant in late spring or early summer. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, and plant it in a pot of moist soil.

Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot, and mist the leaves regularly to keep them from drying out. The cutting should root within a few weeks, and you can then transplant it into your garden.

Growing peppermint in pots

Mint plants are very versatile and can be grown in either pots or in the ground. If you are growing mint in pots, you will need to make sure that the pot has good drainage.

You can add gravel or rocks to the bottom of the pot to help with drainage. Mint plants like to be kept moist, so make sure to water them regularly. You can fertilize your mint plants every few weeks with a general-purpose fertilizer.

Mint plants can be propagated from either seed or cuttings. To grow mint from seed, start the seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date.

Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and keep them moist. When the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.

To grow mint from cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy mint plant. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of moist soil.

Keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, the cutting should take root. Once the plant is established, you can transplant it into the ground or into a larger pot.

Mint plant care outdoor

Mint plants prefer moist, well-drained soil. Add some organic matter to the soil to make it more fertile. You can also grow mint in containers. Place the pot in a sunny spot.

Water the mint plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.

Prune the mint plant back after it blooms to encourage new growth. You can also cut back the plant in late fall to tidy it up.

Overwintering mint plants is easy. Simply dig up the plant and pot it in a container. Place the pot in a cool, dark place. Water the plant occasionally to keep the soil moist. In the spring, you can replant the mint plant outdoors.

Follow these tips and you will have a healthy and thriving mint plant!

Best place to plant mint

Mint plants are very versatile and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you are growing mint indoors, be sure to place it in a bright spot near a sunny window. Mint plants prefer well-drained soil and will do best if they are watered regularly.

To encourage growth, it is best to fertilize your mint plants every few weeks. You can also add a bit of compost to the soil around the plant to help it thrive.

When growing mint outdoors, be sure to choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun (1). Mint plants can spread quickly, so it is important to give them enough space to grow. It is also a good idea to choose a spot that is protected from strong winds.

If you are growing mint from seed, it is best to start them indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds in a small pot or tray filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds should germinate within two weeks.

Mint cultivation

Mint is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or division. Seeds are the least common way to propagate mint, as they require a period of cold stratification and can be difficult to germinate.

Cuttings are the most common way to propagate mint, as they are easy to do and have a high success rate. Division is the best way to propagate mint if you already have an established plant, as it will produce the most plants.

To propagate mint by seeds, sow the seeds in a pot filled with seed-starting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain.

To propagate mint by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from an established plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the bare stem in rooting hormone.

Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, roots will develop and the plant can be transplanted to a pot of its own.

Best soil for mint

Mint plants prefer a moist, well-drained soil. Add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and moisture retention. A soil test will help you determine the best amendments for your soil.

To do a soil test, you will need to collect a soil sample from your garden. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and collect a soil sample from the sides of the hole. Send the soil sample to a laboratory for analysis. You can find a list of labs at your local Cooperative Extension office.

If you are growing mint indoors, use a potting mix that is designed for herbs. This type of mix is usually made from peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can find potting mix at your local garden center.

Mint sun requirements

Mint plants prefer at least six hours of direct sun per day. If you’re growing mint in a container, move it to a sunny spot as needed.

Mint water requirements

Mint plants like soil that is evenly moist but not soggy. Water your mint plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mint plants should be watered approximately two to three times per day.

Mint fertilizer requirements

When it comes to fertilizer, mint plants are relatively low-maintenance. Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season.

Mint plants prefer a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Look for a fertilizer that is specifically labeled for use on mint plants, or use a general-purpose fertilizer that is diluted to half the recommended strength.

Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves.

Mint pruning requirements

Pruning mint plants helps promote growth and keeps the plant from becoming leggy. Cut back the stems by a few inches every couple of weeks during the growing season. Pruning mint plants can be done with a pair of scissors or hedge clippers.

Mint pest and disease problems

Mint plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for these problems and treat them immediately if you notice them.

1. Leaf beetle

The common pest for mint is the mint leaf beetle. This pesky insect can damage leaves and stems, and can be difficult to control. If you notice any mint leaf beetles on your plant, remove them by hand or use an insecticide.

2. Root rot

Mint plants are also susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or planting in poorly-draining soil. If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from the soil and replant it in a well-draining potting mix.

3. Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is another problem that can affect mint plants. This fungal disease manifests as white, powdery spots on the leaves and can eventually cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. (2)

Powdery mildew is most commonly caused by humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, water your mint plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. If powdery mildew does appear, treat it with a fungicide.

How to harvest mint

Mint can be harvested by clipping off sprigs with scissors. You can also cut off the entire plant at once and harvest the leaves as needed. When harvesting mint, make sure to leave at least 2-3 inches of growth so the plant can continue to thrive.

If you’re growing mint from seed, you can start harvesting leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall. If you’re growing mint from a cutting, you can start harvesting leaves after the plant has rooted and is growing new leaves.

How to store mint

There are several ways to store mint. You can dry mint leaves and store them in an airtight container, or you can freeze them in a freezer.

1. Dry it

To dry mint, tie the sprigs together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Dried mint leaves can be used in tea, potpourri, and other recipes.

2. Store in fridge

Fresh mint leaves should be stored in the fridge, wrapped in a damp paper towel. They will last for about a week this way.

3. Freeze it

You can also freeze mint leaves, which will prolong their shelf life. To freeze mint, wash and dry the leaves, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Frozen mint leaves can be used for up to 6 months.

Mint plant care tips

1. Water regularly

Mint plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.

2. Fertilize monthly

Fertilize your mint plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost to the soil to help the plant grow.

3. Prune regularly

Pruning mint plants helps to promote new growth and keep the plant tidy. Prune the plant back by about one-third every couple of weeks.

4. Give the plant plenty of light

Mint plants need plenty of light to grow well. Place the plant in a sunny spot.

5. Watch for pests

Mint plants can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Check the plant regularly for signs of pests and treat accordingly.

Mint companion plants

Mint plants are a great addition to any garden, and they can be used as companion plants to help deter pests. Some good companions for mint include:

Basil:

This herb is a great companion for mint, as it can help to repel mosquitoes.

Cilantro:

Cilantro is another great herb to plant alongside mint, as it can help to deter aphids.

Rosemary:

Rosemary is a great herb to plant with mint, as it can help to deter cabbage white butterflies.

Thyme:

Thyme is another good herb to companion plant with mint, as it can help to repel cabbage moth.

Mint plant dying

If your mint plant is dying, there could be a few reasons why. It must be:

1. Not enough watering

One reason may be that you are not watering it enough. Mint plants need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. (Learn how to water your plant)

2. Limited sunlight

Another reason could be that the plant is not getting enough sunlight. Mint plants prefer to grow in full sun. If you are growing your mint plant indoors, make sure to place it near a window where it can get plenty of sunlight.

3. Fertilizing

Make sure that you are fertilizing your mint plant regularly. Mint plants need to be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. If you follow these tips, your mint plant should start to thrive again in no time!

4. Pest & Disease

If your mint plant is dying, it could also be due to pests or diseases. Inspect your plant carefully for any signs of pests or disease. If you see any, take action immediately to treat the plant.

5. Poor Soil Quality

Another reason why your mint plant may be dying is due to poor soil quality. Mint plants prefer to grow in rich, moist soil. If your soil is too dry or sandy, it could be causing your plant to die.

To fix this, add some compost or organic matter to the soil to help improve its quality.

Final Thoughts

Although mint plants are easy to care for, there are a few things you can do to make sure your plant thrives. Follow these best tips for mint plant care and you’ll have a healthy mint plant in no time!