BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Maximize Mint Growing Conditions

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Mint can be one of the easiest herbs to grow. However, even though mint is prone to spread quickly and thrive, it's a plant that can also get weedy and unattractive. Creating the ideal growing conditions for your mint will ensure that it looks its best.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Soil test kit
Compost
Compost tea

Step1

Check the light. Though mint can grow in almost any light condition, it will be healthiest in full sun to partial shade.

Step2

Test your soil. Mint grows best in a soil of with a pH of 6.5. You can obtain a self-test kit at your local garden center. Follow the simple directions on the package to test your soil and get results quickly.

Step3

Adjust your soil pH if necessary. To increase the pH, which decreases the acidity of the soil, add pulverized lime or wood ashes. To decrease the pH, use products containing aluminum sulfate or sulfur. These products can be found at a garden center.

Step4

Ensure your garden soil is rich in organic matter. Spade compost into the mint bed, and top dress with compost or use compost tea on a regular basis. Mint prefers rich, well-drained soil.

Step5

Water regularly. Though mint is drought-tolerant, it is a good idea to water it regularly to ensure healthy growth of your mint.

Step6

Harvest your mint garden on a regular basis. The more you cut your mint, the thicker it will become. A regular harvest will encourage the mint to grow bushier and decrease its tendency towards weediness.