Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING MINT
FAMILY
NAME
Lamiaceae (mint family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Leaves.
LOCATION
Morning sun and afternoon shade. Mint tends to spread, so give
it some room to grow.
BEST SOIL
Rich, moist soil.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Early spring after the last frost.
HOW TO
PLANT
Mint is challenging to grow from seed; it's best to start it from an
existing plant or purchase a healthy transplant.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
1 plant per person.
WEEDING
Keep the area weed free.
WATERING
Mint likes a lot of moisture, so water regularly and make sure the
area doesn't dry out.
CARE
One of the biggest challenges with mint is to make sure it doesn't
spread to the point that it chokes out other plants. Keep a careful
eye on its root system and trim where necessary. It is best to
grow mint in a large pot so it does not spread throughout your
garden.
FERTILIZING
Mint will grow in most soils; once a year mulch around the base
of the plant with compost or aged manure and your plant will be
happy.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Mint is usually pest free.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
When plant stems are at least 6 inches in height.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Snip off leaves as necessary.
STORAGE
Mint leaves can be stored fresh in plastic with a damp towel for
several days or can be dried and crumbled. For the freshest,
mintiest taste for your smoothie, use the leaves as soon as you
pick them.
