Growing Mint in containers is the best choice

Early in my gardening career, I remember finding a plant growing throughout one of my 4×4 foot raised beds in Spring. Because I did not know what the plant was, I began to pull the stems out of the garden bed. However, the more I pulled the more I found. Then, I noticed something curious about the plant. It had a lovely aroma. Finally, it occurred to me that this was the mint from the prior season. It was through this lesson, that I realize why growing mint in containers is the best choice.

Mint is a rapidly growing perennial that spreads by underground rhizomes. In cooler temperatures, mint will die back and reemerge as temperatures warm. In addition, mint is an invasive plant as it spreads quickly and can out-compete other plants in your garden. The most popular varieties to grow are spearmint and peppermint. However, there are lots of fun and interesting varieties including chocolate mint and mojito mint.

Growing mint

Mint is propagated by either seed, cuttings or dividing. The easiest way to start a mint plant is to either purchase at a local garden center or ask a friend for a cutting from their established plant. If starting from seed, mint requires light to germinate, therefore, do not bury the seed in soil. Instead, lay the seeds on top of the soil and lightly press.

• Timing: Mint can be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Light: Mint grows well in full sun but can take partial shade in the afternoon.
• Soil: When planting in containers, start with a premium potting mix and add perlite, vermiculite, and/or aged compost.
• Containers: Use a container that is at least 10 inches in diameter because mint is a fast-growing perennial plant. Further, the container should have drainage holes and a saucer beneath. The saucer will ensure that the roots remain confined within the container.

Caring for Mint

• Fertilizing: Mint should not be heavily fertilized, or it may lose flavor. However, when growing in containers, add a timed-release fertilizer once each growing season.
• Watering: Soil should be kept evenly moist and not allowed to dry out. However, mint will usually recover in a few hours if the soil has dried and the mint has wilted. Daily watering is required on hot and sunny days for mint growing in containers.

Propagating Mint

One of the nice attributes of growing perennial herbs, including mint, is the ability to propagate. For mint, here are three methods to propagate new plants from an existing plant:

1. Take a 6-inch cutting from an existing plant and place it in water until roots develop. Root should form in a couple of weeks.
2. Dig up the plant and divide to create multiple plants. Mint plants should be divided every 3 years.
3. Mint produces stems that run along the top of the soil. These stems have already grown roots and thus can be snipped off (6-inch piece) and planted directly into fresh soil.

Pests

Mint is a rugged plant. However, it can experience damage from spider mites, slugs and snails. The best defense is to follow good cultural practices:

• Ensure plants receive 6 hours of sunlight each day.
• Don’t allow the soil to dry out and don’t overwater.

Harvesting and storage

Harvest mint late in the morning on dry and sunny days. The youngest leaves are the most flavorful. Cut a stem to within 1-inch of the soil. If the fresh mint is not used immediately, then follow this process after harvesting:

• Clean the mint stems off under running water.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water, remove leaves below the waterline.
• Store the glass on the counter in your kitchen. The mint should keep for 3-7 days.
• Alternately, wrap the cleaned mint stems in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Mint can also be air dried and saved for future use. Here is the process:

• Bunch together 4 or 5 stems of mint (don’t bunch together more as air needs to circulate between the stems).
• Tie together with a piece of twine and place upside down in a cool dry place with low humidity for 2 weeks.
• Strip the dried leaves from the stems. Whole leaves will retain flavor longer than crushed leaves.
• Store in an airtight glass container.

Microwave drying is the least desirable method as much of the oil from the leaves is lost using this method.

Preparing

Mint is popular in Middle Eastern recipes including lamb dishes and tabbouleh salad. In addition, mint can be added to iced tea and lemonade. My favorite use of mint is to make a mojito cocktail. I have developed the ultimate mojito cocktail recipe complete with a video.

Botanical Information

Spearmint or Garden Mint

• Family:     Lamiaceae 
• Genus:     Mentha
• Species:  Mentha spicata

I really enjoy growing mint in my garden and love being able to go out and snip off leaves as needed. Because of the invasive nature of mint, I hope you now agree that growing mint in containers is the best choice. Good luck with growing mint and please leave a comment with any questions.

You might also be interested in the following posts about growing other herbs:

• Storing fresh herbs, the best method to use
• Basil: How to successfully grow basil
• Parsley: How to successfully grow parsley
• Dill: How to successfully grow dill
• Cilantro: How to successfully grow cilantro

References

• University of Minnesota – Growing herbs in home gardens
• North Dakota State University – Field to Fork Mint