One of the most adaptable herbs, mint not only makes for a lovely houseplant but also yields a deliciously revitalizing crop that goes splendidly with a wide range of beverages and foods. Grow the best mint possible by remembering these Dos and Don’ts!
The Do’s
- Grow mint in a location that receives early sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect it from the hot sun, especially if you live in a hot climate.
- Plant the mint in a pot instead of your garden to keep it from taking over the entire space.
- Mint should be picked before it flowers.
- If you want your herb to stay bushy and under control, thinning it out regularly is a must.
- Pinch off the flower buds as soon as they appear to force the plant’s resources towards producing strong leaf growth instead.
The Don’t’s
- Mint may quickly become invasive, so it’s best not to plant it in a space where it can freely spread.
- Don’t try to grow mint where there’s constantly standing water.
- Stay away from both under- and over-watering.
- Do not try to grow mint in an area that receives no sunshine at all.
- Do not over-fertilize the plant, as its flavor may suffer. Put some compost or manure on top of the soil in the container and call it a day.
Secrets of Growing the Best Mint
- Use a rich, moist soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 that drains well.
- Don’t forget that mint thrives best when transplanted every two to four years for maximum flavor and perfume.
- If you want to grow mint outside, you should plant it in a spot that gets at least 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
