Mint Growing Guide

Mentha

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any average, well drained soil where mint's wandering tendencies can be kept in check.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Hardy even in cold areas. If desired, small plants can be potted up in autumn and grown through winter indoors.

Feeding

Not generally needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 25cm (9") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start with a purchased plant, or start seeds indoors and set out at about the time of your last frost. Mint is also easy to root from stem tip cuttings stuck into moist potting soil. Some strains are propagated only from cuttings rather than seeds.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Frequent pinching back helps to keep plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering. Spearmint or peppermint are the most versatile strain for cooking.

Harvesting

Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in early summer, just before the plants bloom.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Mint

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail