Planting And Care
Minimal care is needed for mint
For outdoor plants, use a light mulch
This will help keep the soil moist and keep the leaves clean
For indoor plants, be sure to water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist
Do When choosing a location for your mint, find one where the plant will receive morning sun and partial afternoon shade
Plant on a patio, in a container
When planting the herb in a flower bed, first submerge a container (either a pot, a mesh bag or edging to at least 5 inches deep), leaving the rim above ground level when potted, so the mint s fast-growing root system will be contained
Otherwise, the herb will take over your garden and lawn in an annoying weed-like fashion
Harvest mint sprigs before the plant flowers
To extend the harvesting season, pinch off the flowering buds as they appear
If planting your mint in a garden bed, apply mulch to help keep it from spreading
Locate mint plants fifteen inches apart, and thin them regularly
If planting your mint indoors, locate your container where it will receive good morning light but where it will also be away from drying heating elements
Don tDont Plant mint in an open bed without first submerging a vessel that will contain the herb s wild-growing roots
If planting mint in a bed using a submerged pot, be sure it s not cracked
The runners will find their way out and continue to spread
Plant the herb in super moist conditions where it wont dry out
Peppermint Care
Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in light soil with good drainage
Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along stream banks
Most will tolerate some shade, and the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun
For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants (or one or two cuttings from a friend) about 2 feet apart in moist soil
One or two plants will easily cover the ground
Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall
For best growth in confined areas such as containers, topdress plants with a thin layer of compost or organic fertilizer every few months
Aboveground pots will need winter protection in cold climates