How to Grow and Harvest Mint

For a perennial herb with many varieties and a wide range of uses, mint is a wonderful choice for your garden or landscape. From spearmint to apple mint to peppermint, each type is subtly different but all are grown in the same way.

Soil: Mint likes a moist soil, so planting it near a natural spring or stream is ideal. It will stand partial shade, but plenty of sunlight will make the flavors full and strong.

Planting: The best way to establish mint is to get some roots from someone who is being overrun by it (this can happen quickly). In the spring, lay them horizontally in shallow drills three inches deep. Don't harvest a lot of your mint the first summer it is planted. In the autumn, cut the plant down and cover the roots with compost. If you are overrun by it (some types can be invasive), simply hoe out the mint you don't want. If you have a small yard, consider growing mint in a container or a raised bed to keep it better controlled.

Mint also grows well in a container indoors, so if you want to force some for use in the winter, dig some roots in the autumn and plant them in a container in good soil. Keep the container indoors or in a greenhouse at a heat of around 60 degrees.

Harvesting: Cut fresh leaves whenever you want them. If you want mint for drying, harvest it in midsummer just before it flowers, but don't cut it after a rain shower--wet leaves will only turn black and mold. Store the dried leaves in an airtight container or freeze them in freezer bags.

Uses: There are many types of mint, and the most difficult part of growing may be that of choosing which type to plant! Fruit mints, such as apple and orange, combine the flavors of that fruit with mint. Use them to flavor tea or water, make a delicious jelly, or use fresh leaves as a garnish or in salads. Peppermint can be used in tea, to aid in digestion, or to soothe an upset stomach. Chocolate mint is a very strong variety with a smell resembling a peppermint patty. Use it to flavor tea, or add the fresh leaves to strawberries for a healthy treat.

Whatever type (or types) you choose to plant, you are sure to be pleased with the texture and scent that mint will bring to your landscape, as well as the flavor it will add to your food. The low maintenance and high use of this herb makes it a must-have for any garden or plot.