Mint

There are more than 500 species of mint, each with its own distinct flavor, scent, color and shape. All mints thrive in containers. When planting indoors use a pot that's at least 12 inches in diameter and filled with compost-enriched potting soil. Water regularly, feed with fish emulsion each month and divide plants every two to three years.

Peppermint with narrow, dark green leaves, is best for tea. It grows to about 3 feet tall. Cut plants back to about 2 inches tall twice a year - in late spring and fall - before flowers form. Perennial. Grow two plants or one of each in (separate) containers to confine vigorous underground stems.

Growing Mint

Mint are easy to grow in both shade and sun with little maintenance needed. Mints are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. If left to their own devices, they will rapidly take over your garden.

Mint has shallow, creeping roots which can be broken off and placed either directly in the ground or in pots containing potting compost. Because mint is such a strong-growing plant, it can easily kill nearby plants. The solution when planting outside is to sink a bottomless container, such as an old bucket, in the ground and plant the mint in this area.

Mint are grown from seed. Get an early start planting it indoors as a houseplant. Or, directly sow seeds into your garden in the spring. Space seedlings or thin plants to 12" to 18" apart

Harvest leaves at any time. They can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. Pick them in the morning when the oils are strongest. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool and ventilated area.