How to Manage My Mint Plant

Mint is a must for every beginning gardener's herb plot. Whether you're growing spearmint, apple mint, chocolate mint or peppermint, chances are you already know that a mint sprig will improve your salads, desserts and cocktails. In addition to adding a flavor boost to your life, mint is a hearty grower and container plants can be brought indoors during the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Mint
• Water
• Containers
• Potting soil
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Plant the mint. Plant it in a container rather than in the garden. Mint can be an invasive garden plant, killing off established plants before you realize what's happening.

2. Water the mint regularly and ensure your container receives adequate sunshine. You shouldn't need to fertilize your mint if it gets adequate sun and water.

3. Trim the mint with scissors as it gets tall to encourage a bushier plant. Mint responds well to shearing and will continue to send up new growth.

4. Place cuttings in a glass of water and wait until they begin to send out new roots. You can then plant your cuttings, giving you a new mint plant. Plant two varieties in one container for added visual interest.

5. Bring container mint plants indoors for the winter if you live in an area that gets frost. Place them near a window and monitor moisture when you begin to use heat, since the reduced humidity can dry out plants.

6. Change the soil in your containers every year to provide the mint plants with enough nutrients. For best results, use well-draining potting soil.

References

• National Gardening Association- Mint