How to grow mint
A refreshing and versatile addition to any herb garden, mint is one of the easiest plants to grow and can produce huge amounts of deliciously scented leaves. From its invigorating aroma to its multitude of culinary uses, mint is a true superstar. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding green thumb, join us on this mint-growing adventure. We'll unveil the secrets of successful mint cultivation, from propagation tricks to winter care, all while keeping your minty companions thriving like never before.
Where is best to plant mint in the garden
Mint plants love to soak up the sun, but also appreciate a bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day. Find a spot in your garden that receives partial sunlight, and your mint will thank you with lush growth. The plants grow best in moist, free-draining soil which is rich in organic matter so avoid anywhere that is too sandy. It’s best to keep mint contained as it can be very invasive if left to it’s own devices, so we highly recommend potting up your mint plants into large plant pots before sinking them into the ground where you wish for them to grow, thus constricting the roots and stopping them from taking over completely. Every few years you can pull up the pot and remove a portion of the roots, or split your mint plants to ensure they have enough space to grow.
How to grow mint
Growing mint from seeds is an option, but let's be real—it's easier to start with plants, and you can buy your herb plants directly from our online herb shop! Propagating mint is also incredibly easy and can leave you with a huge amount of plants! Simply snip a healthy stem around 10-15cm long, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Soon enough, roots will emerge, and you can transplant your minty wonder into soil. If you're feeling daring, plant mint cuttings directly in the soil. Ensure the soil is kept consistently moist until you witness the miracle of roots sprouting.
How to prune your mint plants
To keep your mint bushy and thriving, pinch off the tips regularly. This encourages branching and prevents your mint from getting too leggy. Plus, it's a lovely excuse to inhale that divine minty aroma! Then, in late summer, it’s best to give your mint plants a hard cut back to just above the soil level. Providing the weather conditions are right, you’ll then be rewarded with a fresh flush of new growth and this will keep your herbs looking ravishing and fresh for as much of the year as possible.
How to care for mint in the winter
Mint's growth slows during winter, so ease up on the watering. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before reaching for that watering can. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a definite winter downer but overall they are an incredibly easy plant to care for from summer through winter.
Which varieties of mint should I add to my garden?
If it were us, we’d dedicate an entire patch to the wonderful world of mint varieties, but here are a few we highly recommend just to get you started:
Chocolate mint - think divine dark chocolate After Eights
Berries and cream mint - a sweet, fruity and delicious variety that works wonderfully well in deserts
Pineapple mint - zingy and delicious with a beautifully unusually variegated leaf
Lemon mint - fresh and fabulous, this one is a top choice for cocktails such as a refreshing mojito
Growing and nurturing mint plants is a journey filled with aromatic joy and boundless culinary creativity. By selecting the right spot and embracing the fun of propagation, you're setting the stage for minty success. Want to become a herb expert with cool perks such as exclusive discounts, expert masterclasses and more? Why not join our Herb Club?
