How to Grow Great Mint

Mint has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of year. Japanese mint was thought to aid fertility. It was also thought that combining peppermint or spearmint with salt and applying it to a bite from a mad dog would cure the person in question. In modern times, it is still used as a natural remedy, although not for dog bites. It is also grown in many herb gardens so the gardener can have a fresh supply at hand when it is needed. Here are some tips to help you grow a great crop of whatever variety of mint you desire.

There is nothing like mint to cool down on a hot summer day. And, luckily, there are many varieties of mint to choose from. So, there should be one to suit your taste. Some of the flavors are apple, lemon, orange, pineapple, peppermint, and spearmint, to name a few. Other types include bergamot and pennyroyal. Most of the varieties of mint are perennials. They are wonderful for beginning herb growers. They are easy to grow and tough little plants. The will grow best in temperature zones 5 to 9. Some varieties of mint will reach 2 feet tall.

Mint should be planted in full sun or partial shade. The soil should be rich and moist. It should also be well-drained. It is sometimes difficult to get mint to grow from seed, especially if you prefer a specific type. You might get a cutting from a friend or seedlings from your local gardening store. Mint is very easy to grow. However, it can also be very aggressive. If you do not want it to spread to a large area, it is best to plant it in a container. Just be sure the container will drain properly.

If you take frequent cuttings from your mint plants, they will branch out and stay looking pretty. The plants will be lush and healthy. If you plan to leave your mint plants outside over the winter months, cut them to the ground about 2 weeks after you take the last harvest. If you do this, there will be less places for pests to nest over the winter.

Mint is best when it is fresh. So, the best idea is to harvest only what you are going to use at the time. Mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up in the spring. Heavy harvesting will encourage new growth. Do not be afraid you will hurt the plant by harvesting too much. It is a very tough plant and will almost always come back. Actually, it can be a nuisance if not kept in check. If you would like to plant it in the ground, a good way to keep it contained is to use a plastic container buried in the ground. This will keep the roots from straying too far. You can also dry mint for later use.

Peppermint is the type of mint with the most healing properties. It can be used to digestion problems such as an upset stomach or gas. It can also be used to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. The oil of mint plants is also used in mentholated cold remedies.

Whatever type of mint you choose to grow, you will never cease to be refreshed by the scent of the leaves when they are lightly brushed. If you have the plants growing under an open window, your house will be filled with the lovely scent of mint. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow as much mint as you and your family can enjoy.

SOURCES

Editors "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. "New Garden Book". 1990. Better Homes and Gardens Books. Des Moines, Iowa.

Editors of Rodale Organic Gardening Magazine and Books. "Rodale Organic Gardening Basics: Herbs Volume 5". 2001. Pennsylvania, USA.