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How to Grow Mint in Your Garden Without It Taking Over

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Because of its delightful smell, sharp-jawed mode of taste, mint will never fail to float in any courtyard. Their use in cold drinks and teas as well as sweet and savory recipes is appealing. All whilst that famous taste and smell makes it into a bunch of different household items, from air fresheners, to toothpaste. Bees and other pollinators swarm the fairy towers and cloud-like blooms which come in powder blue, soft violet, pale pink to white hues. And in mild winter climates, this frost-hardy perennial even grows year round.

So you may be wondering, mint spreads, right? And to never put it into your garden because it will “run rampant.” But we can still relish in growing this delightful herb. That just means it is a hearty (simple) to mature plant. You can also grow it in garden beds or containers so it does not spread and reap the freshest, most delicious benefits. Everything on growing mint.

What Is Mint?

Mint is a perennial herb which grows in a very aromatic shrub. There are around 20 species and numerous natural hybrids in the genus. One such hybrid is pepermint (M. x piperita), an interspecies cross between M. aquatica and M. spicata. Natives are perfect at marsh edges, meadow, stream bank or woodland edge, but it can grow up to 12 to 36 inches in its natural environment. With a few exceptions (e.g., M. australis native to Australia and M. arvensis and M. canadensis in North America), most species are from temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. These volatile essential oils are responsible for the charming fragrance of Mentha which fills the air around it with a sweet fragrance.

The strong odor and cool flavor of any plant can give it away, but all Lamiaceae have square stems. Small blooms in terminal racemes produce spires on long spikes and smaller flower tufts often occur in the leaf axis. Possesses delicate blossoms in mid- to late-summer; a favorite with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, it makes a beautiful addition to any garden. Margins are serrated; leaves may be smooth, or smooth or slightly fuzzy. They come in every hue of green and even variegated ones too. They establish large circuses in no time via extensive crawlers (stolons) above and under soil. Because of this, you should put them in pots before planting if you do not want them to become invasive or planted somewhere you want them to grow anywhere.

A popular beverage and kitchen herb, mint (Mentha) smells fresh and cooling. It is also common in candies, teas, toothpaste — and also as an aromatherapy and natural medicine. In an article by Monica H. Carlsen, et al, Mentha is an antioxidant-rich plant, and has been used for centuries for its aromatic, medicinal, and therapeutic applications (BMC Nutrition Journal).

Cultivation and History

It comes from the Greek myth of the river nymph whose name means “sweet-smelling. Throughout history, it has been both grown for cooking, a medicine, and a versatile herb.

The oil gave the impression of being efficacious as long as it could be successfully substituted for a range of applications. The oldest known written record concerning the use of medicinal oils is found in the Royal Library of Alexandria in 410 AD.

The Roman historian Pliny the Elder detailed various uses for thyme in his first-century Natural History: scenting the bathwater, perfume, as an ingredient in beverages, sauces, and wine, and-as a wise precaution in the anarchic early days of the Roman Empire-worn round the neck of a judge in order to ward off contagion of disease. Early medieval times: Mentha becomes a popular feature in herbal kitchen and apothecary gardening.

Commercial production of the essential oil began in England by the mid 1700s, and was soon adopted by the Netherlands, France, and Germany. Flowers, leaves, roots, and stems of L. longiflora have been employed in traditional medicine for various diseases such as gastrointestinal troubles and respiratory diseases. Leaves are dried and made into the tea, which now and then is tanked to help throat. Although wild mint is indigenous to the part of North America, the root stock was imported with the English settlers, and distillation of the essential oil was a commercial crop in Massachusetts by the 1790’s.

Today Mentha is an important commercial crop in Washington, Oregon and Idaho with the oils used mainly as flavoring for candy, chewing gum, cough drops, mouthwash and toothpaste.

Mint Plant Propagation

Mentha seed is very small and difficult to germinate, at around 14,000 seeds per gram. However, as a prolific cross breeder, seeds are variable, and the taste and look of parent plants often does not carry true.

My poor minty oregano (which now has a minty tang to it, a little feisty if you ask me) from this kind of cross-pollinating happens to make some tasty iced drinks. Commercial growers propagate vegetatively, and root division or stem cuttings are the best methods for home gardeners. For growing from seed, you can find some extra tips from this post here.

By Root Division

Root cuttings may also be taken in autumn, but spring is more reliable. Select a plant that is rootbound in its container and remove the root ball from the pot. Cut the root ball into quarters using a hand saw or garden shears. Plant large fingerling seeds barely touching the surface in small 2-4 inch pots or trays with a mix of 1 part well-aged compost, 1 part vermiculite or peat moss, and 1 part landscape sand. Sprinkle all over water until the potting mix is thoroughly moist.

Repot two or three to fresh soil and use the remaining quarter to divide into several smaller root cuttings, one per stem. Cut off top growth and trim roots to container size Place the cuttings in position, cover with soil and gently press. Lightly water, then place in a cold frame or similar sheltered location with bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

By Stem Cutting

Select stalks with healthy green leaves. Cut off four- to six-inch lengths that are just below the lower three or four sets of leaves. Snip the stem right below a set of leaf nodes to keep it from curling in the water. Stems should be long, because you want to make the plant grow as strong as you can with more nodes on the lower part of the stem. Place the stems in a small glass of water and place them in a bright and airy windowsill until some good roots have grown.

In 10-14 days the cuttings will produce roots after this they can be planted out, and in three to four weeks they will be so established that they can be transferred into pots or the open ground. Once the stems have a strong root system, repot them into deep pots (6-8 inches deep and wide) filled with sterile, well-draining potting soil. Press soil around stems and water lightly. Place the pots in a protected location for four to six weeks where the soil will stay damp but not soggy. Transplant into a garden after plants are well established, in permanent locations.

How to Grow Mint Plants

Mint grows quickly and is a rich, organic soil preferring herb that needs a pH between 6.0 to 7.0, well-drained soil. Native plants are easy to grow in USDA plant hardiness zones: 3-8. Full to partial sun is best for these plants and variegated types may need some protection from the hot afternoon sun.

Transplant in spring after the final frost, or in late summer as evenings begin to cool. To maintain a room temperature, water lightly, and when the top inch of soil is dry to touch. Feed in spring as new growth emerges, using an all-purpose water-soluble plant food (10-10-10 NPK). You can also give it another fertilization in the middle of the growing season if you feel like it needs it. Pick leaves regularly by pinching out the tops once the plants are growing well.

This also encourages the plant to keep producing more fresh and flavorful new leaves, plus it inhibits its top growth, favoring a bushier plant form. Limit growth in containers; space plants 12 to 24 in. apart in the garden They require 8- to 24-inch diameter containers that are at least as deep. Bury the tubs in the ground in a garden bed with only the top 2 inches of the side sticking out of the ground. This is useful to stop dribblers to move into soil that is fertile and expanding into new plants.

Mix in equal parts aged compost or other rich organic matter and landscape sand to aid drainage in planting beds. Place plenty of material over the drainage holes, such as coconut coir, pebbles or broken pottery, to avoid the roots sitting in water.

To prevent roots from entering through the holes in the bottom of the pot, make it a practice to rotate the containers within the ground every 14 to 28 days. OR just sow the seed in the ground where you are happy for it to spread. Or plant it with metal flashing or landscape edging buried eight inches deep to keep it in check. Some varieties of mint are low growing and can be used as a ground cover – even tolerating a little foot traffic.

Mulch pots and plants in the ground with a 2-inch layer of straw to help keep moisture in and weeds out. Mentha plants can withstand a light frost, but the top growth will die back in a hard winter. In the autumn, cut the stems to the ground and mulch with two inches of mulch if your winters are harsh.

We love this herb – most animals and insects do not. The plant repels ants, cockroaches, deer, mice, spiders, and squirrels, so it can be a beneficial friend for lots of other crops. Plant in the garden near cabbages and tomatoes to deter cabbage moths

Containers

Plant mint in rich, loose, and well-draining soil in containers that are three times the size of the root ball, and incorporate an organic amendment (one part to three parts native soil) such as composted manure. If you must, add one part landscape sand for better drainage. Make sure to provide sufficient drainage material, like broken pottery, gravel or small stones, in the bottoms of containers, and do not leave the soil too soggy. Feed with a general-purpose liquid plant food such as 10-10-10 (NPK) in spring, and again half way through the growing season.

Offer your containers a half-day shade from the afternoon sun, so they do not get heated up, for a constant harvest throughout the growing season.

Every 3-4 years separate the roots of the container plants to maintain plants sane

Growing Tips

To enable ease of growth and a bountiful harvest, keep in mind the following:

  • Soil should not be allowed to dry, these plants like humidity
  • Shade lightly in hot afternoon sun areas
  • Cultivate in containers or with landscape barriers to prevent the spread of plants.
  • Let some plants go to flower throughout the garden to draw in pollinators.
  • Use a 2″ mulch layer to conserve moisture and protect plants

Mint Cultivars to Select

There is some scientific controversy regarding the number of species of the herb Allium, with those most frequent estimates usually falling in this range from 13 to 20. There are nearly 2,000 different cultivars. Common types of mints that are common in home gardens are spearmint (M. spicata), peppermint (M. x piperita), wild mint (M. arvensis), and Scotchmint (M. x gracilis).

Peppermint

One of the most recognisable and popular of the Mint plants is M. x piperita which is often used to flavour various drinks, desserts, and sweets due to its pungent menthol smell. At only 12 to 36 inches tall at maturity, this plant also likes to see a little shade and will do best in a sunny spot like the rest of plants in this family. Sowing packet contains 35-40 seeds.

Peppermint Chocolate

Another common variety, M. x piperita ‘Peppermint Chocolate’ can often be found at local nurseries, most likely due to its name! Brown stems and chocolate mint fragrant and flavored leaves that are great in cold drinks and tea.

Spearmint

M. spicata has been grown by herbalists and kitchen herb gardens for thousands of years and contains less menthol meaning it is the mint that (along with peppermint) has the sweeter and more delicate taste. It is better off used to flavor savory food, vegetables, teas.

Orange

Since M. x piperita f. citrata ‘Orange’ is the easiest peppermint to propagate, it is frequently used for flavoring and seasonings in confectionery, beverages, salads, and deserts; serving well in cold process manufacturing, and as a topping with berries, fruits, and on top of ice cream, and above all in teas.

Pineapple

M suaveolens ‘Thelineapple’ is a handsome variegated form with white edges to the leaf,there is a light pleasant citrus smell.

Managing Pests and Disease

Deer, rabbit and rodent Resistant All varieties are deer, rabbit, and rodent Resistant Mentha plants are generally low-care but there are some issues to keep an eye out for.

Insects

There are a few different insects that could be enjoying the taste of your mint.

Aphids

Aphids–Tiny, soft-bodied insects that can suck the plant blood, er, sap of your plants and (even worse) spread fungi disease. Spraying aphids with a powerful stream of water from the garden hose brings their numbers down rapidly.

Spider Mites

Spider mites, resulting in stunted and distorted growth. These too can be literally eradicated with a heavy stream of water. If insects are a problem, treat with a product such as Insecticidal Soap One (Safer Brand).

Disease

However, should you have mint that has seen better days, it might be suffering due to the following reasons:

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is another type of fungal disease which thrives in warm, moist conditions and spreads quickly, starting as small spots that expand to eventually cause leaves to drop. Promptly remove affected plants to avoid spread. Elevate plants from the ground and encourage good air circulation. Overwintering spores harbor in plant debris, which should be thoroughly cleaned up in the fall and crops should be rotated. Do not splash the water of lower leaves.

Mint Rust

Mint rust – Yet another fungus that produces small brown, orange or yellow pustules on the undersides of leaves. You should pull infected plants to help prevent it from spreading. Rust may be partially controlled by heat treating the roots. To do that, just submerge the roots in 111°F water for 10 minutes and then cool as normal — it gives the plants more energy to break through the soil and get a head start on growth.

Powdery Mildew

Another fungus, powdery mildew as its name implies, is white in color and appears on the surface of the leaves and stems in the form of small, dusty, fuzzy, weak areas that damage and weaken the plants. Pull infected plants, and let the soil dry out Air circulation problems may require thinning and no watering except when the top inch of soil is dry.

Harvesting Mint Plants

Harvesting Mint Plants

The volatile oils responsible for mint’s distinct taste are of the highest quality during the very long days of summer, when the plants receive 14 hours of daylight or more. For an optimal aroma and flavor, plants should not be blooming when you decide to harvest them. Harvest on a sunny day by cutting the tops of the plants once the morning dew has dried. Prune back the stems above the first or second leaf. If you take just a few sprigs at a time plants can be harvested three or four times a year, and regular harvesting will help keep them bushy.

Preservation

Mint is another herb that is most flavorful when fresh. However, it can be dried or frozen too.

Fresh Storage

Fresh sprigs will store in the refrigerator for 5 – 7 days. Wash the cuttings well to remove as much water as possible. Wrap leaves gently in damp paper towel and insert the towel into a loosely closed plastic bag or storage container. Refrigerate. Or cut the stem ends, put in a small glass of water. Pop it back into the fridge and cover loosely with a bag, making sure to change out the water every three to four days,

Dried

Wash your yield in cold water under the tap and drain in a salad spinner or dry with a clean tea towel. Group 10 to 25 stems and secure with string and hang in small bunches upside down in paper bags. Select a cool, dry place with strong air flow. Once leaves are dry, brittle and crumbly this will take one to two weeks to remove them from the stems and store in sealed containers in a dark cool cupboard.

Alternately, place the leaves you remove from the stems in your food dehydrator set on the lowest temperature.

Freezing

Rinse, then pat dry.. Cube, and freeze for iced tea or mojitos. Otherwise the stems are discarded and the leaves retained. Rough chop the greens and add about two teaspoons worth to the compartments of the ice cube tray. Top with water and freeze. You could also substitute the water for fresh squeezed lemon juice. This drink gets a little citrus-y and you can add an inch wedge of lemon or lime or a nice small pinch of zest.

Throw in a couple of berry-berries if you want to add a bit of fruit flavor, a few sprigs of fresh tarragon if you want a touch of anise. As soon as they are frozen (all the way frozen), transfer the cubes to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight contain and freeze for up to 3 months. They can be used in sauses, smoothies, soups, stews, and tea as well or in any other way that they have been dried over time. To achieve this, you rinse,, dry the stems, strip the leaves. Lay out the leaves on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. After the leaves have frozen, take them off the sheet and tuck them in airtight containers in the freezer for up to three months.

Other Garden Uses

Mints have nice soft flowers that are great for attracting pollinators. Pot some up and let them go to flower – then dot them around the garden they are disliked by bad pests and loved by good insects.

Planted in the right location, mint serves as lovely scented seasonal ground cover. However, as a spreader it must only be planted in an area where it will not get out of hand. It grows in moist places and is right at home along stream banks, in plantings along the edge of lightly shaded meadows and in the fringe areas around swamps and ponds. But you still have access to that sweet smell of fresh, which releases underfoot between the path pavers. However, make sure that the roots are denined to the path with hard-scape plinths. Root management can be done by installing a landscape edging barrier, if preferred.

Quick Growing Guide

Plant Type:

Perennial herb

Tolerance

Light frost

Native to

Temperate zones of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America

Maintenance

Low

Hardiness (USDA Zone)

3-8

Soil Type

Rich and loamy

Season

Spring and summer

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Exposure

Full to partial sun

Soil Drainage

Well-draining

Time to Maturity:

90 days

Attracts

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Spacing

12-24 inches

Companion Planting

Cabbages, peas, and tomatoes

Planting Depth

6 inches (root ball), lightly cover for seeds

Avoid Planting With:

Parsley and chamomile

Height

12-36 inches

Family

Lamiaceae

Spread:

Vigorous

Genus

Mentha

Water Needs

Moderate to high

Species

Aquatica, arvensis, australis, canadensis, spicata, x piperita

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites

Common Disease

Anthracnose, rust, powdery mildew

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