Homegrown Mint
In this article
Homegrown mint, enjoyed fresh or dried, is a must for every garden. The perennial plant comes back every year and is easy to grow. I grow multiple varieties of mint, which add different flavors and scents to my recipes, sachets and amazing garden aroma.
At a glance
- Sun: full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: rich and moist, but never waterlogged.
- Spread: aggressive runners, so contain it from day one.
- Harvest: once plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, all season long.
- Drying: cut just as the flowers begin to appear.
Why grow mint
In addition to its flavor, mint is a pretty plant due to its leaf shape with prominent lines and deep green color. Regular cutting only makes it bushier. A small patch gives you fresh leaves for drinks and cooking all summer, plus plenty to dry for tea.
There are many kinds to try. Peppermint grows about 2 feet tall or more, with dark green leaves, reddish stems and spikes of tiny purplish flowers. Spearmint has pointed, slightly crinkled leaves that are lighter green, with a sweet scent.
When and where to plant
Mint grows best in full sun or partial shade. Variegated types such as pineapple mint can scorch in full sun, so give those some shade. Mint likes rich, moist, slightly acidic soil, so mix in compost before planting. Moist does not mean soggy: too much water invites root and leaf disease.
Plan for its spreading habit before anything else. Mint sends out runners and will quickly outcompete most garden plants in an open bed. Give it its own bed, or grow it in a container about 12 to 16 inches in diameter. Another option is a sunken container with the bottom removed: leave the rim a few inches above the soil so runners have to climb over it, where you can see and cut them.
How to plant mint
Mints cross with each other easily, so plants grown from seed often don't match their parent. For a specific flavor, start with a plant from a reputable nursery, a cutting, or a division from an established clump. Divide and replant in spring before growth starts, or early in the fall.
Set transplants with their roots just beneath the soil surface, about 18 inches apart.
Caring for mint
Water. Water regularly through the growing season, up to 1 to 2 inches per week depending on the weather. Avoid overwatering.
Feeding. Mint needs little. One application of slow-release complete fertilizer in early spring is plenty. Too much water and fertilizer encourage rust and weaken the mint's flavor oils.
Pests and diseases. Mint rust shows up as small whitish spots that turn reddish orange or brown on the undersides of the leaves. To prevent it, keep the leaves from staying wet overnight: water at the base, or water before midday. Aphids, flea beetles and cutworms can also visit.
Harvesting mint
Start picking once the plants are 3 to 4 inches tall. The youngest leaves have the best flavor. Pick fresh leaves and stem tips whenever you need them, and the plant will grow back bushier.
For a bigger harvest, cut the stems to about 1 inch above the soil, late in the morning on a dry, sunny day. For drying, cut just as the flowers begin to appear, after the dew has evaporated.
Storing and drying mint
Fresh stems keep for up to a week in a glass of water in the refrigerator. Whole leaves don't freeze well, but chopped leaves frozen with water in an ice cube tray hold their flavor.
To air dry, tie the stems in small bundles with a rubber band, which tightens as the stems shrink. Hang them in a dry spot with good air circulation, away from the sink and stove. Keep the bundles small: mint has tender, moist leaves and will mold if it doesn't dry quickly. A paper bag punched with holes keeps dust off. The mint is ready when the leaves are crispy and crumble easily between your fingers. You can also use a dehydrator set between 95 and 110°F.
Store dried mint in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. Whole leaves hold their flavor longer than crushed ones, and dried mint keeps for up to a year.
Recipes with homegrown mint
Check out all of my recipes with dried mint.
FAQ
How do I keep mint from spreading?
Grow it in a container about 12 to 16 inches across, or in a sunken container with a rim a few inches above the soil, and trim the runners that try to escape.
Can I grow mint from seed?
You can, but mints cross easily, so seedlings often don't match the parent. For a specific variety, buy a plant, take cuttings or divide an established clump.
When is the best time to harvest mint for drying?
Cut it just as the flowers begin to appear, in the morning after the dew has dried.
How long does dried mint last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, dried mint keeps for up to a year.
Annie