The mint plant has many varieties. Each type is easy to care for and can last for years if cared for properly. However, this plant spreads fairly naturally, and may compete with surrounding plants for food sources in the soil if allowed to grow indefinitely. Therefore, to grow mint you can choose to plant it in a pot or find a method of planting that can limit the growth of its roots in the soil. Mint is a delicious and versatile herb. Mint leaves can be used as a condiment for fruit salads, meat or fish dishes, or even for a glass of iced tea or other drinks. If you're interested in learning how to grow mint, follow Step 1 to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting Mint Seeds
Step 1. Pick from existing mint plants
Growing mint from seed is relatively difficult, and it is nearly impossible for some varieties, such as the peppermint variety. Cut the stem about an inch above the branch to grow new branches there. These stalks do not require leaves, and almost any stalk can be made that way. Put the stalks in a glass of water, and remove the leaves that are submerged under the surface of the water. Within a week, tiny white roots should begin to appear under the water. Wait a few days to a week for the mint roots to grow long enough.
Add more water to the glass if necessary. Make sure to change this water every 4-5 days to prevent your plants from rotting
Step 2. Buy mint seedlings or small mint plants
You can find mint seeds at most nursery centers and gardening supply stores. There are many varieties of mint, such as sweet mint, chocolate mint, spearmint, lemon mint, apple mint, and peppermint. Spearmint is the type commonly used for cooking. Mint is a fast-growing, fast-spreading plant, and is the perfect plant for your first try at growing plants.
Step 3. Look for vines from existing plants
These tendrils or branches that run away from the plant and have their own roots can be picked up and replanted if you are careful. If any of your friends have mint plants, chances are there are creepers that you can replant.
Part 2 of 4: Growing Mint Plants
Step 1. Choose the best time to start growing mint
In the four seasons, mint is best planted in the spring, or fall. While mint is a plant that can grow at any time, the best time to grow it is in optimal conditions.
Step 2. Transfer mint seedlings or stems that have rooted into a container/pot
Planting mint in pots is the most common method, as you can check the growth. In addition to being able to check its growth, if you place the pot close to the kitchen, you can pick it whenever needed. Mint spreads quickly, and its roots tend to fill the pot more than other types of plants. Use a wide pot, about 30-40 centimeters for one plant.
You'll need to add a polymer water retainer in the soil/planting medium to keep it wet and won't dry out completely. You can also use pearlite or vermiculite instead of polymer
Step 3. Plant a rooted stalk or seedling about 5 centimeters deep
If planting more than one seedling, plant them about 15 centimeters apart. This will give each seed enough room to thrive.
Step 4. Choose a location that gets enough sunlight
When you plant mint or place a pot filled with mint plants, you need to choose an area that receives morning sun and shade in the afternoon. You need to make sure the plant gets enough sunlight without drying it out. Mint plants grow best in wet soil, so you will need to maintain them to achieve that condition. You can even place your potted mint indoors or on a windowsill, as long as that location will get enough sunlight.
Step 5. Consider the location of the mint in the ground
If you're growing mint in the ground, use a wet area that gets full sun or some shade. The best conditions for growing mint in soil require fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 7. While mint plants can grow on their own without problems, a little fertilization every week is preferable. Make sure that the soil is wet by adding a little mulch around the plant to protect the roots.
Step 6. If you are going to plant mint in beds, first plant mint seeds in pots
If you follow these steps, you will need to plant the mint seeds in a container, such as a pot or gauze bag. Then immerse the pot into the soil to a minimum depth of about 12 cm, and leave the top edge of the pot still on the soil surface. Thus the root system of the plant will be in the pot. If you don't do that, your mint will spread all over your garden and lawn like weeds.
You can also plant mint in pots in a vacant lot in the garden you wish to fill, or a part of the garden that has bricks or wood to limit mint growth
Part 3 of 4: Caring for Mint Plants
Step 1. In the first year, water your mint plants frequently
Test the soil with your finger to determine how dry it is. Keep the soil wet, but don't soak it. If your mint plant is in direct sunlight, water it more often. Pay attention to the frequency of watering to make sure your mint is getting enough water, but not too much.
Step 2. Perform regular cutting on the top of the plant
This is to keep the plant from growing too tall and to encourage more mint leaves to grow sideways. This method is also a better way of harvesting. When you check if the plant needs water, see if the plant is too tall.
Step 3. Prune the mint buds to keep the plant short
Usually, the mint's tiny flowers will bloom from June to September. You have to prune the buds before they can bloom so the plant doesn't grow out of control. Picking mint buds as they appear will also prolong the crop's harvest season.
Step 4. Cut off the mint plant every two or three years
After a few years, the mint plant will get to the size of the pot, causing the roots to crowd the pot. Re-pot it and be careful to break the mint plant into pieces. Removing and replanting your mint every 2-3 or even 3-4 years will help keep the mint's taste and aroma strong and delicious.
Step 5. If your mint plant is attacked by rust fungus, spray it with a fungicide
Rust is a fungus that causes orange-brown spots on the underside of the leaves. This fungus is one of several diseases that easily attack mint plants.
Step 6. Watch out for pests or diseases
Your mint plant may be attacked by fungal/fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt or mint anthracnose and may also be attacked by pests/insects, for example some types of weevils such as flea beetles, root borers, root weevils and spider mites). This is possible, however, because the strong mint smell can fend off most insects and other pests. Just provide good air circulation and well-draining soil to keep mint plants healthy. If you find any bugs, remove them with a garden sprayer.
- You can also wash your mint leaves using an insecticidal soap.
- Also be sure to look for nuisance pests on the underside of the leaves. That's where the pests often hide.
Part 4 of 4: Harvesting Mint Leaves
Step 1. Harvest the mint leaves that are as fresh green as you like from late spring to early fall
Never harvest more than 1/3 the number of leaves in a single harvest and allow the plant to regrow before harvesting more. You can simply harvest as much as you need at that time.
If you want to dry the mint leaves, hang the stems upside down in small knots or lay them directly on a tray. As soon as the mint stalks and leaves become brittle, you can transfer them to an airtight container
Step 2. Harvest as many mint leaves as possible before they are covered with frost each year
The mint's roots will survive the frost and regrow the following spring, but the above-ground parts of the plant will die. Protect plant roots by covering them with mulch before winter arrives. Meanwhile, to harvest the leaves, you have to pick the stems. If you want to harvest more, wait until the time is right before the plants flower. Cut all parts of the plant to the position of the first or second leaf.
Generally, you can make three large harvests in a season
Step 3. Take advantage of mint leaves
There are so many uses for mint leaves, and you can use them for anything you like. However, there are some typical mint leaf uses that you should be aware of. Here are some ways to use it:
- Serve mint leaves as a complement to fish, chicken, lamb, or other types of protein dishes.
- Use mint leaves to season vegetables, such as carrots, peas/beans, and potatoes.
- Season salads with mint leaves, such as fruit salad, vegetable salad, or walnut and cheese salad.
- Add mint leaves to beverages such as iced tea, punch, or lemonade.
- Add mint leaves to cocktails, such as a mojito or mint julep.
Tips
- Consider growing a versatile variety of spearmint or peppermint. Both types are mint varieties that are known to be suitable for many types of cuisine. For a more unique variety, consider white peppermint, chocolate mint, apple mint, bergamot mint, basil mint, lemon mint, lime mint, or curly mint, among many others.
- If you intend to grow mint in your garden, build a guardrail. Dig a bottomless container into the soil and plant mint in the container. This is done to prevent the mint roots from spreading too far.
Warning
- Keep pots of mint plants from hanging down into the garden or into other potted plants. Healthy mint buds can root into the soil, even if they are still connected to the mother plant.
- Harvest mint leaves before they flower, because that's when the mint leaves are at their best.
