Min is an amazing plant that has many uses. However, mins can grow out of control if not planted and pruned properly. By learning how to care for mint, you will save a lot of time and avoid headaches in the future. Trimming min is really easy when you know what to do!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Trimming Min in Bulk
Step 1. Prune min about one third after flowering
Wait until the min finishes flowering, then pruned. Use cutting shears and trim each end of the stem by about a third. Min is a herb that grows relatively fast and fertile. So, don't be afraid to trim them. Your plants will be fine.
- Pruning can actually stimulate growth. This is not a destructive action for plants min.
- If you don't have cutting shears or don't like using them, just pluck the min by hand. This process will take longer, but is equally effective. Pinch the stem with your fingernail to make a clean cut.
- If you only need to prune a few mins that are grown indoors, it will be easier to do this by hand. You can also use regular scissors or a sharp knife.
Step 2. Form plants min
While pruning, consider the shape of the plant you want. You certainly want the shape of the plant under control. Min can grow quickly and in many directions. So, trim it to a shape that fits the pot.
- Shape the plant so that there are not too many leaves and shoots sticking out of the clump.
- Focus on pruning around the clump. Make sure the plant doesn't spread too far out of the pot.
Step 3. Save the chopped mint leaves for later use
After a large harvest, store the produce properly so that it can be used for several months later. There are several ways to save min. The most popular way is to dry it. There are many different drying methods, including roasting them in the oven, hanging and aerating them to dry, and dehydrating them.
- You can also freeze min. Pick the mint leaves and discard the damaged ones. Dry the leaves with a rag. Cut the leaves and remove the stems. Place 1-2 teaspoons of mint leaves in each small box in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and place in the freezer. Once the ice has frozen, place it in an airtight container or plastic and store in the refrigerator. Min frozen can last up to 3 months.
- You can also store min in a vacuum bag. Again, choose the good mint leaves and discard the damaged ones, then dry them. Put it in a bag and label it with the date. Use a vacuum that can be purchased online to vacuum the bag. Each vacuum device works in a slightly different way. So, follow the instructions on the label.
Step 4. Min is usually harvested fresh all year round, as needed
Do not harvest min if the plants are not growing well due to cold weather or other adverse conditions.
Method 2 of 3: Trim Min Slightly
Step 1. Prune min plants regularly
Min will reach maturity when it begins to flower (after about 90 days), but can be harvested at any time once it is 8-10 cm tall. Regular pruning will make the min plant grow lush and healthy. You can also use fresh mint leaves each time the plant is finished harvesting.
- Prune min carefully whenever the plant needs it. Remember, cut the min so that the plant does not grow messy in the pot. If the min is planted outside, prune it so that the vines do not spread to fill the garden.
- While you can use cutting shears, smaller plants can be cut with just your fingers.
Step 2. Use min for various dishes
Min in small quantities can be used for various recipes. If the recipe calls for dried leaves, try using freshly chopped mint instead. Fresh leaves can strengthen the aroma of min. You can also add mint leaves to drinks like lemonade and mojitos to add flavor.
Step 3. Replant the freshly cut min stems
If you want to propagate more min, just plant freshly pruned stems. Cut a 15 cm long stem from the mother plant and bury it in a pot of ready-to-plant soil. Min stems will grow into new plants with the help of sunlight and lots of water.
- Fill the pot with a mixture of ready-to-plant soil and plenty of compost. Take the cut stems from the mother plant and plant them in the ground.
- You can also put mint sticks in a glass of water. Remove leaves that are submerged in water so they don't rot. Eventually, roots will start growing from the bottom of the stem.
Method 3 of 3: Planting Min
Step 1. Plant min in pots
Min plants have a fast growing root network. That is why, min is better planted in pots. If min is planted in soil without a container, the plants will spread quickly and take over the entire garden.
- If you want to plant mint outside, dig a hole at least 15 cm deep and insert a container (such as a pot or mesh bag) into the hole. After that, plant the min in a container and bury it with soil. The container will prevent the roots from spreading throughout the garden.
- If you want to grow min at home, buy a pot to hold it. Place the pot near a window that gets sunlight throughout the day. Do not place the plant near a heat source.
Step 2. Choose the right time to plant min
If min is planted outside, planting time has an important role. If you live in a climate that experiences winters, plant mint in the spring. If you live in a frost-free climate, min will thrive in mid-fall.
Step 3. Flush min with frequent frequency
Water the min often because this plant thrives in moist soil. Min thrives in a variety of soil conditions, but does not thrive in dry environmental conditions. If you live in a dry environment, keep an eye on the plant and water it more often. Do watering at least once a day.
Step 4. Fertilize the plant occasionally
Generally, min can thrive on its own. However, you should give a little fertilizer every now and then on the soil around the min. Fertilization will stimulate healthy growth. Fertilizer will be very useful especially if you harvest the leaves often.
- Do not fertilize too often min. Fertilizing it every 3-4 weeks is enough.
- Choose a low-salt fertilizer because the salt can brown the tip of the min.
Step 5. Plant min correctly
Plant min as deep as 0.5 cm below the soil surface. You can only plant 1 tiller in each pot. If planted in the garden, give the distance between the saplings as far as half a meter. Plant each tiller in a separate container.
- Plant min in a place that gets sunlight. If the min is planted in a pot, place the pot in a place that gets direct sunlight. Don't use a pot that's too big for the plant to fit on your porch or patio.
- Although min is better planted outside, you can grow it indoors. If you choose to do this, place the pot in a place that is exposed to consistent morning sun. Also, keep the min away from heaters or fireplaces as the plants can dry out.
- Make sure the pot used is not cracked. Min grows rapidly and will spread through cracks in damaged pots.
