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The Gardener's Spot
Mint
Plant Information
Origin: Europe
Sci. Name: Mentha
Family: Mint
Sow'n
Swoing Depth: 3 in (7 cm)
Indoors: Not Recommended
Outdoors: 2 wks Before Last Frost
Spacing: 12 in (30 cm)
Days To Germination: N/A
Seed Life: N/A
Grow'n
Watering: Moderate
Sunshine: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Height: Up To 3 ft (3.3 m)
Width: 18 in (45 cm)
Nutrient levels: N-low, P-low, K-low
Companion Plants: Roses
Bad Companions: Other mint family
Sci. Name: Mentha
Family: Mint
Sow'n
Swoing Depth: 3 in (7 cm)
Indoors: Not Recommended
Outdoors: 2 wks Before Last Frost
Spacing: 12 in (30 cm)
Days To Germination: N/A
Seed Life: N/A
Grow'n
Watering: Moderate
Sunshine: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Height: Up To 3 ft (3.3 m)
Width: 18 in (45 cm)
Nutrient levels: N-low, P-low, K-low
Companion Plants: Roses
Bad Companions: Other mint family
Overview:
Being a native to Europe would be hard to tell by how well mint has adapted to the many different places it grows, such as, Australia, North America and Japan. In ancient times, mint was cultivated for its medicinal properties. The Japanese have been growing it for menthol for at least 2,000 years.
Planting and Growing:
It is best to start mint from runners harvested from other mint plants. You can obtain runners from online nurseries, a neighbor, or a local garden center. Plant runners in early spring in pots filled with a good, slow release potting soil. Do not plant in your garden or flowerbeds, as it is very invasive and difficult to control.
Mint divides and is easily propagated by digging up and transplanting. In fact, digging up and dividing every few years will be necessary. During the summer, you will need to trim back the plant to encourage new growth. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Set pots in a location so that it receives full sun to partial shade.
Harvesting and Preserving:
Harvest mint leaves as needed. There are many ways to use mint. One idea is to pick a sprig of mint and run it under hot tap water to make your house smell like mint, which is very uplifting.
To preserve mint, wash, dry and place in a dehydrator or oven at 110 degrees F (43 degrees C) for 4-6 hours. Store in a glass jar.
Mint can also be frozen as ice cubes for easy use. Wash and chop mint, and then spoon into ice cube tray. Pour water over the tray and place in freezer. After they are frozen, put in a baggie to store. Pop in boiling water for a mint tea.
Being a native to Europe would be hard to tell by how well mint has adapted to the many different places it grows, such as, Australia, North America and Japan. In ancient times, mint was cultivated for its medicinal properties. The Japanese have been growing it for menthol for at least 2,000 years.
Planting and Growing:
It is best to start mint from runners harvested from other mint plants. You can obtain runners from online nurseries, a neighbor, or a local garden center. Plant runners in early spring in pots filled with a good, slow release potting soil. Do not plant in your garden or flowerbeds, as it is very invasive and difficult to control.
Mint divides and is easily propagated by digging up and transplanting. In fact, digging up and dividing every few years will be necessary. During the summer, you will need to trim back the plant to encourage new growth. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Set pots in a location so that it receives full sun to partial shade.
Harvesting and Preserving:
Harvest mint leaves as needed. There are many ways to use mint. One idea is to pick a sprig of mint and run it under hot tap water to make your house smell like mint, which is very uplifting.
To preserve mint, wash, dry and place in a dehydrator or oven at 110 degrees F (43 degrees C) for 4-6 hours. Store in a glass jar.
Mint can also be frozen as ice cubes for easy use. Wash and chop mint, and then spoon into ice cube tray. Pour water over the tray and place in freezer. After they are frozen, put in a baggie to store. Pop in boiling water for a mint tea.
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