Grow Guide to Mint
Mentha piperita
Mint
Plant Description
A versatile herb with vibrant green, serrated leaves and a refreshing aroma. Known for its cool, sweet flavor, mint is a popular addition to beverages, desserts, and savory dishes alike.
It is celebrated for its invigorating scent and is often used in teas, mojitos, and garnishes, providing a burst of freshness.
Quick Facts
Partial/Full Sun
10-15 Days
50-70 Days
18-24"
2-3
Perennial
1/4"
~60%
Best Planting Locations
*It can be invasive, so consider planting it in containers or using barriers around garden plantings*
Ideal for small herbs, providing adequate sunlight.
Contains growth and maintains soil quality.
Portable and can be moved to optimize sunlight and growing conditions.
Ideal for controlling soil quality and moisture; easy to move.
Getting Started
Prefers partial shade over full sun. It's a versatile grower that can thrive in varied lighting conditions, making it suitable for both garden beds and indoor pots.
Mint likes moist, rich soil. Regular watering and a
mulch layer can help keep the soil moist. Use a
general-purpose fertilizer sparingly to avoid overly vigorous growth.
Plant 2-3 seeds in each hole, about 1/4" deep. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
*Place mint in separate container near these plants*
Marigolds: When planted together, an aroma shield spreads across the garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
Carrots: Mint is a good repellent of the carrot fly, which are harmful to carrots.
Peas & Beans: Mint protects beans from rodent attacks
Roses: Roses attract beneficial bugs that will help protect mint from invaders
Rosemary, Chamomile, Oregano: Mint tends to compete with these plants for resources
Bees: Attracted to mint flowers
Butterflies: Attracted to mint flowers
Hoverflies: Attracted to mint flowers
Housefly: Repelled by mint's aroma
Mosquitos: Repelled by mint's aroma
Ants: Mint has a potent smell that can mask the pheromones that ants use to communicate, which confuses them and disrupts their navigation ability
Mice: Repelled by mint's aroma
Best Time to Plant
USDA Hardiness Zones
Day to Day Maintenance
Requires consistently moist soil, so water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. It’s less susceptible to the issues of over-watering than many other herbs, but good drainage is still crucial.
Frequent harvesting will keep it under control and encourage new growth, making the plant bushier. Pinch off the tips of the stems to promote branching and cut back any runners to keep the plant contained.
The Harvest
Gathering
Pick leaves or sprigs as required. Frequent harvesting is beneficial as it helps to control the growth and spread
of the plant.
Harvest mint leaves early in the morning to capture the best flavor and aromatic quality.
Favorite Uses
How to Store
Duration: One to Two Weeks
Location: Store in the refrigerator
Method: Place leaves in a damp paper towel and then in a plastic bag. Keep in the crisper drawer to maintain freshness.
Duration: Several Months
Location: Store in the freezer
Method: Chop mint and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for easy addition to drinks or dishes.
Duration: Several months
Location: Refrigerator
Method: Submerge chopped mint in olive oil in airtight containers; keep refrigerated and use as needed.
Duration: Several months
Location: Cool, dark place
Method: Place leaves in vinegar to create
a flavorful infusion perfect for dressings
and marinades.
Fun Facts
Ancient Currency
Mint was so valuable in ancient times that it was used as a form of currency in places like Ancient Egypt.
Digestive Aid
Mint has long been recognized for its properties as a digestive aid, helping to soothe stomach issues and aid digestion.
Versatile Flavoring
Mint is used worldwide in a variety of dishes, from Middle Eastern salads to Indian chutneys and the famous mint julep cocktail.
