How to Plant Mint Herbs

Mint herbs will bring a pleasant smell to your garden.

Learning how to plant mint herbs is as simple as learning how to prepare the soil, where and when to plant, and the special growing conditions in which mint herbs thrive. After planting mint herbs, in no time at all you will be harvesting the leaves for culinary, or even medicinal, uses.

Things You'll Need

• Mint plants
• Soil
• Spade or shovel
• Water

Instructions

Preparing to Plant the Mint Herbs

1. Purchase mint plants at a local garden center or nursery. Mint plants are best purchased as small plants that are ready to be transplanted, rather than growing from seed. Decide which species you want to cultivate. Spearmint and peppermint are two popular varieties of mint, as are apple, lemon and orange mints.

2. Decide whether to plant them in the ground or in a container. Planting mint herbs can be successful with both containers and in the ground. Many gardeners with small spaces prefer container herb gardens that can be grouped together and are easily accessible, but whether you plant in the ground or in a container, the planting instructions remain the same.

3. Determine the best location. Most herbs require full sun conditions, however mint thrives in both shady and sunny locations. Mint can be planted in borders among other herbs or flowers, in a section of the garden, or in containers alone or with other herbs.

4. Prepare the soil. Since herbs share the same growing conditions as vegetables, preparing the soil with lime and fertilizer is critical to success. Using a commercial garden and potting mix available to consumers saves a step in the planting process.

Planting the Mint Herb Plant

1. Dig a hole. The hole, whether in the ground or in a pot, should be about two times the width of the herb plant.

2. Place the plant in the hole and fill in with moist soil. Be sure to fill in with enough soil and press down lightly to remove air pockets. Mound the dirt slightly around the base of the plant for adequate support and drainage.

3. Water thoroughly. Mints thrive in soils that retain moisture, so use enough water to wet the soil completely. Continue to water as needed, not allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Tips & Warnings

• Mint spreads rapidly by underground runners that may grow several feet from the parent plant. The runners, along with roots attached, can be removed from the mint plant and transplanted to other locations.

• The leaves and flowers of the mint plant are both useful and can be used fresh or dried.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing Herbs
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Apple Mint