Mint

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Botanical name: Mentha

Plant type: Herb

Sun exposure: Full Sun

Soil type: Loamy

Mint is a perennial with very fragrant, toothed leaves and tiny purple, pink, or white flowers. It has a fruity, aromatic taste. The mint family has many varieties, but it will take over your garden, so be careful where you plant it.

Planting

• For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants (or one or two cuttings from a friend) about 2 feet apart in moist soil. One or two plants will easily cover the ground. Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall.
• In the garden, plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes.
• If you don't want an entire bed of mint, buy some plants or take some cuttings from a friend and plant them in containers filled with potting mix enriched with compost. Remember to keep the plants in a sunny spot.

Care

• Minimal care is needed for mint. For outdoor plants, use a light mulch. This will help keep the soil moist and keep the leaves clean.
• For indoor plants, be sure to water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Pests

• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Leaf spot
• Anthracnose
• Stem canker

Harvest/Storage

• Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground. You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season.
• You can also just pick the leaves as you need them.
• You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter. If you want to dry them, it's best to cut the leaves right before flowering. Store the dried leaves in an airtight container.

Recommended Varieties

• Spearmint, which is the type most commonly used in cooking
• Peppermint, for a strong aroma

Recipes

• Mint Chocolate-Chip Brownies
• Fresh Mint Jelly
• Mint Chiller

Wit & Wisdom

• Mice dislike the smell of peppermint. Spread it liberally where you suspect the critters.
• To relieve a tension headache, apply a compress of mint leaves to your forehead.