Growing Mint, also Garden mint

Mentha spicata : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      T                
      P P              

(Best months for growing Mint in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in trays and plant out or start from cuttings. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Cut leaves from top with scissors.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cabbages, Tomatoes
  • Mint leaf

Although mint can be grown from seeds, cuttings are a faster, more reliable option.
Cuttings can be planted directly when danger of frost is past. Mint can be grown in pots outdoors or indoors.

Mint prefers damp, partly shaded areas and once established will grow for many years. Mint dies down in Winter and sends up new shoots in Spring.

Mint is a rampant grower and will take over a garden bed if not restrained.

One way to contain mint is to use an old bottomless bucket pushed into the ground. The mint won't be able to put its roots out sideways, so will take longer to spread. If grown in a pot, mint needs to be watered regularly to keep it healthy.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Mint

Mint adds a fresh flavour if chopped and sprinkled over salads. And is traditionally used mixed with vinegar and sugar to make mint sauce for lamb.

Your comments and tips

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Hi Kathy, sounds like these could be aphids or mites (if so, they are sap suckers). First plan of attack I use is to hose them off with a strong jet of water. If they return, then the next day I do the same. If they return a third time, I use Eco-Oil to suffocate them. It's a certified organic oil based solution that you spray onto the leaves. The company I get it from is www.ecoorganicgarden.com.au and it's a great emergency product for organic gardeners for those stubborn problems. Other than that, I also address the health of the plant and soil. Pests generally only attack plants that are unhealthy so I add rock minerals, give the plant a fish/seaweed 'tonic' to boost them with trace elements, check soil moisture is adequate and mulch well. Hope this helps!

- Anne

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