Mint grows best in full sun to partial shade, should be planted early in the growing season and is generally hardy to -20° F. Mint prefers moist soil conditions, but excess water will promote root and leaf diseases.
Can mint grow in the shade?
Mint. Mint is one of the best choices for a shady spot. The culinary favorite grows so fast and so easily that if not carefully tended to, it can take over other plants. For best results, make mint a container plant or pot it before adding it to garden beds.
Does mint need direct sunlight?
Mint will grow either in full sun or part shade, though it definitely benefits from afternoon shade in the hottest regions. It also adapts readily to a variety of soils, but the ideal is moist, well-drained, and rich with organic matter.
How often should I water mint?
A mint plant needs a lot of water, so you should hydrate it one to two times a day.
Can mint grow in indirect sunlight?
Herbs that can tolerate indirect sunlight include mint (Mentha spp.), bay (Laurus nobilis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme (Thymus spp.). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) will even grow well in very low light conditions.
Where should you not plant mint?
Avoid duplicating photos showing mint planted in a single windowsill container with other herbs: mint does NOT do well planted with other common herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme, as these herbs prefer soil dry-down and sunny locations.
Why is my mint plant dying?
A dying mint plant is usually because of under watering or as a result of mint that is planted in a pot that is too small and therefore has limited moisture and nutrients. If your mint is wilting and turning brown this is likely because of dry soil and under watering.
Does mint like morning or afternoon sun?
Give your mint morning sun, afternoon shade and moist soil that’s loaded up with plenty of organic material. In these conditions your mint will take off like wildfire. Be warned that mint does like to spread via underground stems known as rhizomes and can become weedy if there is plenty of moisture present.
How do you keep mint plants healthy?
Minimal care is needed for mint. For outdoor plants, use a light mulch. This will help keep the soil moist and keep the leaves clean. For indoor plants, be sure to water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
How do you pick mint leaves so it keeps growing?
Harvest mint leaves at any size by pinching off stems. For a large harvest, wait until just before the plant blooms, when the flavour is most intense, then cut the whole plant to just above the first or second set of leaves. In the process, you will remove the yellowing lower leaves and promote bushier growth.
Is it possible to overwater mint?
Spearmint, Mojito mint, Peppermint, Chocolate mint and Apple mint are some examples of Mints and they all really love water and do not like to dry up! It’s hard to overwater it, but even a water-loving plant can get overwatered. Always feel the soil before watering – it should feel damp but not wet.
What happens if you overwater mint?
You can absolutely overwater mint plants, which can lead to fungal disease and root rot. Many common mint diseases are caused by overwatering. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves to make sure there are no signs of disease hiding there. Overwatered mint can lead to fungal diseases.
Where is the best place to grow mint?
full sun
Plant mint in full sun or part shade. It can adapt to just about any type of soil, but develops the best foliage in moist, well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost. Keep the area around your mint free of weeds.
How do you make mint grow bushier?
For bushier, healthier mint, pinch off the top two sets of leaves regularly. Don’t be afraid to cut leggy mint plants to the ground, as shown at left. They’ll quickly send up new shoots full of fragrant leaves.
Can mint survive indoors?
Growing mint indoors in a pot is just as easy as growing it outdoors. Keep in mind that mint will spread, so plant it in a container that you want it to fill. If it’s sharing a container with other plants, you’ll want to keep an extra close eye on it.
Does mint keep bugs away?
The pungent nature of mint deters bugs from making your home their home. Pests like ants, mosquitos, and mice will avoid mint plants whenever possible, and it can also help with other menaces like roaches, spiders, and flies.
Do mint and basil grow well together?
Mint and basil are great companion plants to grow next to each other in separate growing spaces as mint can repel pests like aphids and beetles that would damage tender basil leaves. Growing mint and basil together is a rewarding process and a great introduction to companion gardening.
What side of the house do you plant mint?
Unlike many herbs and houseplants, mint thrives in indirect sunlight versus full sun and even grows well in partial shade. Choose east-facing windows in spring and summer and west-facing windows in fall and winter.
What does mint grow well with?
Companion Plants to Grow With Mint
- Oregano and marigolds. In combination with mint, pungent, spicy oregano and marigold spread an aromatic forcefield across any vegetable garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
- Carrots.
- Cabbage, cauliflower, and kale.
- Tomatoes and eggplants.
- Peas and beans.
How long do mint plants last?
5-10 years
Mint is a perennial plant, meaning it can grow and endure for many years. It often goes dormant or dies back in the winter in most places before sprouting from the ground in the spring. When mint is planted in the ground, it has a lifespan of 5-10 years. Potted mint plants can also live for more than 5 years.
Do you cut back mint?
For the best flavour, keep cutting mint to stimulate new leafy growth. After flowering is over in late summer, cut back plants to just above soil level and feed with a high-nitrogen fertiliser to encourage a fresh flush of leaves for autumn picking. In autumn, divide to make new plants.