Have you ever been interested in learning how to grow mint?
Do you think it’s too invasive?
Are you not sure whether you should grow it in the ground, pots, or in a hanging basket?
Or are there just too many different sources of information on the internet to make a decision on what mint to grow?
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After hours of research, personally growing over 10 types of mint, and talking to local home and garden experts I have created: How to Grow Mint: 11 EASY Tips.
This article will not only provide you with easy to follow instructions on how to grow mint, but also the best types of mint to grow, the best ways to care and harvest your mint, and even uses for different types of mint!
Grow These 5 Mint Types (Tip #1)
Are you interested in using Mint for a fruit salad? What about a mojito? Or maybe even for its medical remedies.
There are numerous ways you can use mint.
But if you want to have the most success with using mint then you need to first understand the different types of mint to grow.
I am recommending growing the below 5 types of mint.
These types of mint are not only the easiest to grow and care, but have the greatest amount of uses.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most popular types of mint to grow in the world. You can find peppermint in almost any grocery store.
Peppermint is great for digestion, cold and flu, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Peppermint has a strong scent and high oil concentration.
Best of all is that peppermint is not invasive as other types of mint and is great for edging or to grow in pots.
2. Spearmint
Spearmint is another popular type of mint that can be grown almost anywhere in the world. And you can find it at almost any grocery store.
Spearmint is great for gas, diarrhea, and gall bladder problems.
It can grow to 12 to 24 inches high and wide.
It should be known that this is a very invasive type of mint and should be grown in pots or in a raised garden bed.
3. Chocolate Mint
Chocolate Mint is one of the favorite types of mint for the Carribean islands, southern parts of the United States, and gardeners who want to add flavor to non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
This Mint encourages bile flow and eases digestion.
It can be used in mojitos, essential oil, add to any type of chocolate, and can be used to make certain types of ice cream.
Gardeners love this type of mint because it is attractive, fragrant, and incredibly easy to grow. Like most mint plants, I recommend growing it in pots or raised garden beds.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a favorite mint among gardeners around the world.
It is perfect for digestive problems, colic, cramps, headache, and even toothaches.
Lemon Balm is incredibly easy to grow but is also invasive. Like most mint on this list, I recommend growing it in a container or raised garden bed.
5. Apple Mint
Apple Mint is another type of mint that is not as popular among gardeners but is incredibly easy to grow.
This mint can be used in fruit salads, potpourri, jams, and even teas.
Not only this, but apple mint is not as invasive as other types of mint and can be used in pots, hanging baskets, and even in the ground.
Purchase the Best Mint Supplies (#2-5)
When learning how to grow Mint there are numerous factors that can lead to success or failure.
To have the most success in growing and harvesting mint you’ll want to make sure you have a few essential gardening tools.
Tip #2 Purchase the Right Seed or Plant
When learning how to grow mint, the best way to start is having the best type of seed or plant possible.
While vegetables typically have numerous types of seeds like an organic, heirloom, GMO, etc. mint plants typically grow from your traditional seed.
The type of seed and plant does not directly affect the amount or quality of mint.
What is important is where you purchase your mint seeds and plants from.
If you want seeds that come from reputable companies at a reasonable price and with quick delivery then you want to purchase them from Amazon.
Tip #3 Buy a Container or Raised Garden Bed
Once you purchase your mint seeds or mint plant you can plant it in either your garden, a container, or a raised garden bed.
My recommendation is to plant your seeds or plant into a container or raised garden bed.
The reason for this is because mint can quickly become invasive taking over your garden and becoming incredibly hard to remove.
If you are going to plant your mint in a container then I recommend purchasing GrowKo Peat Pots.
GrowPeat Pots are great for starting seed or growing very small mint. Your mint will quickly outgrow this pot.
Once the roots grow through the bottom of the Peat Pots then you will want to transplant it to a larger pot, such as Viagrow 5 Gallon Nursery Pot.
This 5-gallon pot will be large enough for any amount of mint you will want to grow.
And if you decide to plant your mint into the ground then I recommend using a raised garden bed, such as the Cedar Raised Garden Bed.
Raised garden beds are a great way to allow the mint to grow abundantly without it invading the rest of your garden or yard.
If you want to learn about the Best Raised Garden Beds then I recommend reading BEST Raised Garden Beds for ALL Plants.
Tip #4 Use THESE Garden Tools
If you have seeds or plants then you can plant mint without a problem.
But if you want to make gardening easier and have better results then you’ll want to have the appropriate gardening tools.
If you plan on growing your mint from seed then you will want to water it with a basic bottle sprayer. I recommend using Tolco Spray Bottle 8 oz.
If you plan on starting your seed indoors then having a grow light is essential to providing heat and sunlight. I recommend using Hydrofarm Grow Light.
And finally a good set of gardening tools will make transplanting, caring, and harvesting mint outside easier and quicker. I recommend using Vremi 9 piece tool set.
Tip #5 Use the Correct Type of Soil
One of the best traits of mint is that it can grow almost everywhere.
But if you want to have the best results I recommend using specific soil that mint thrives in.
It should be noted that unlike other vegetables and herbs, mint does not require fertilizer to grow faster or producer more quantity.
Because it is an invasive species, all you will need to do is plant it and watch it spread!
If you decide to plant mint in your traditional garden you do not need to worry about adding soil.
If you want to plant your mint in a container then I recommend using a potting mix specifically designed for containers.
The potting mix that I use and highly recommend is Miracle-Gro Potting Mix.
And finally, if you want to plant your mint in a raised garden bed you will need raised garden bed soil.
This type of soil is different than potting mixes or garden soil. It is specifically made to promote drainage and provide the nutrients all fruits, vegetables, and herbs need.
I recommend using Miracle-Gro Raised Garden Bed Soil.
Tip #6 How to Start Seed Indoors
When growing Mint from seed I always recommend starting indoors.
If you are planting a mint plant then you can begin outside after the last frost.
Below are several steps from starting your mint from seed indoors to transplanting your mint plant outdoors.
Step 1:
Sow (plant) your mint seeds inside approximately 12 weeks before you want to transplant them into a larger container, raised garden bed, or garden.
To begin, fill your 3-inch pot with about 80% potting mix.
Next, lightly spray the soil 5-10 times. The soil should be damp, but not soaked (like from a hard rain). The soil is damp when it turns a dark brown color.
Step 2:
Use the tip of a pencil or pen to form a tiny hole. The tiny hole should be 1/8 inch deep. This is about the size of the pencil/pen tip.
Next, place 2 to 3 seeds into the hole and brush the soil over the seeds.
Finally, spray the soil 5 to 10 times. Keep the soil damp as you did in step 1.
Step 3:
After sowing (planting) your seeds place the pot in direct sunlight. If you do not have an area in your house that receives at least 8 hours of sunlight then I recommend using a grow light.
When placing your container under a grow light keep it approximately 4 inches from the bulb.
If it is closer to the bulb the seeds will dry out and nothing will grow. If it is further from the bulb the seeds will remain too moist and nothing will grow.
You will also need to make sure the room temperature remains around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
A little fluctuation with day and night temperatures is okay, but it should never dip below 60 degrees.
If you would like to ensure your pot stays within a 60-70 degree temperature then I recommend purchasing a Heating Mat.
Heating Mats provide a constant and consistent amount of temperature needed for all types of seed to germinate (grow).
Step 4:
For the next 4-8 weeks, you will want to consistently spray your mint seed.
I recommend spraying your mint in the morning and evening. Sometimes a mid-day or late afternoon spray may be needed if the soil quickly dries.
The best way to understand when to spray is when your soil turns a light brown color or feels dry to the touch.
In approximately 10-14 days your seed should germinate.
Germinating is when seeds sprout through the soil.
Don’t be surprised if it takes a few more or fewer days depending on the environment it is in.
Step 5:
Once your mint grows to approximately 4-6 inches tall I recommend transplanting them into a larger container. This usually takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks!
In order to transplant your mint into a larger container, I recommend turning the pot upside turn and pinching the bottom of the container while gently sliding the plant and soil out.
Next, fill up the larger container with approximately 80% potting mix.
Then insert your plant and soil into the larger container.
And finally, fill in the rest of the soil around the plant. Never fill-in soil above the base of the plant. The base of the plant is where the soil meets the plant.
After, water your soil for approximately 15-30 seconds. Continue watering at least once a day until harvest. If the soil ever looks or feels dry you may need to water more than once a day.
Tip #7: How to Start Mint Outdoors
If the last frost has occurred or you have purchased a mint plant you can then transplant it into your raised garden bed or move them outside depending on your needs.
You can determine your last frost date of the year HERE.
If you are planting or transplanting mint into a garden or garden bed then you will first want to dig a hole twice the size of your 3-inch pot. This will be approximately a 6 inch deep by 6-inch wide hole.
You will then remove the mint plant from its original container as described in step 5 and place it into the hole.
Finally, you will want to fill the hole with soil up to the base of the plant. The base of the plant is where the mint meets the original soil.
Never cover the mint leaves with soil
Once you have transplanted your mint, I recommend giving it 30-second water once a day until it is ready to harvest.
Mint is extremely hardy. You do not have to worry about cold weather killing it. You also do not have to worry about droughts killing it.
Mint is also very hardy against disease and pest.
This is one of the main reasons you’ll love growing it. It is low maintenance and the perfect herb to grow for beginners.
Tip #8 How to Care for Mint
Mint is not only one of the easiest herbs, but plants, in general, to care for in the world!
There are three simple tips that I recommend when caring for mint.
- Water mint at least once a week after it is had been in the ground or container for a couple of weeks
- Harvest regularly. This will promote mint growth faster and at greater quantity.
- Before the last frost of the year prune your mint down to the ground. All you need to do is take a pair of pruning shears or scissors and cut the prune about 2-3 inches above the ground.
There is no need to fence your mint. Squirrel, Rabbits, and Deer hate the taste of mint.
Also, you do not need to fertilize your mint. Mint is an invasive plant that will grow rapidly in almost any climate.
And finally, you do not need to apply a pesticide. Mint is incredibly hardy against insects and disease.
Tip #9: How to Harvest Mint
Like caring for mint, harvesting mint is very easy.
In order to harvest mint, all you need to do is grab where the leaf meets the stem and pull off the mint leaf.
You will want to harvest every couple of weeks to promote growth and quantity.
You can also watch this video on how to harvest mint:
Tip #10: How to Store Mint
While mint is a hardy plant, it does not hold up well at room temperature once harvested.
You should expect your mint leaves to stay fresh for approximately 48-72 hours.
After this time period, you will notice the mint leaves begin to wilt. This does not mean it is bad, it just won’t hold its flavor as well.
If you want to store your mint for a period of up to a week you can simply place them in a zip-lock bag and place them in your fridge.
If you want your mint to last for approximately two-three weeks then I recommend wrapping your mint in a dampened paper towel.
Then place this towel in a zip-lock bag. Do not zip the bag. Air circulation is key to preventing mold and keeping your mint fresh.
And finally, if you want mint to last even longer then you can either dry or freeze mint. This will allow you to use it all year long!
Tip #11: Mint Uses
Mint is one of the most versatile herbs on Earth.
People have been using it for thousands of years for medical remedies, herbal remedies, in drinks, and in food.
Today, mint is most commonly used as follows:
- Insect and mosquito repellent
- Deer, squirrel, and rabbit repellent
- Essential oils
- Air cleaner
- in cocktails, water, and other beverages
- Desserts, fruit salads, and in vegetable dishes
- As a way to improve bad breathe
- As a herbal remedy for nausea, upset stomach, and headaches
- Help reduce the longevity of hiccups
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should now know How to Grow Mint!
If you want the greatest chance of growing more and better mint then you will want to follow the 11 EASY Tips below:
- Grow peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, chocolate mint, or lemon balm for the best chance of success
- Purchase your seed or plants for a reputable company. You cannot go wrong with Amazon!
- Mint is an invasive plant, so I recommend using a container or raised bed when growing it.
- Make sure you have the appropriate gardening tools to make planting quick and easy
- Make sure you have at least potting soil for your mint. If you want to plant it in a raised garden bed make sure you have raised garden bed soil.
- Starting your plant from seed should take you only 5 steps and 15 minutes max.
- Starting your mint for an existing plant should take only 1 step and 10 minutes max.
- Caring for mint is one of the easiest things you can do. Water it! It’s that simple!
- Harvesting mint is as easy as caring for it! Just cut where the leaf meets the stem!
- You can store mint in the fridge, freezer, or even dry it for year-long use
- Mint has many uses. You can use it for herbal and medical remedies, in beverages, or to add flavor to fruit and vegetable dishes. It is also a natural repellent for animals, pests, and insects!
What’s Next?
If you enjoyed reading How to Grow Mint then I highly recommend you review the rest of my “How To” articles on thegardeningdad.com.
TheGardeningDad can serve as a great resource for helping you plant herbs, vegetables, and fruit. It can also serve as a great buying guide and gardening idea generator!
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