The best soils for mint are those that can hold a steady reservoir of moisture without becoming waterlogged. Building up organic matter through the soil, such as compost and manures, effectively covers two bases for the mint: it improves your soil’s water-retaining ability, while at the same time providing the plant with plenty of nitrogen to sprawl.
For many plants, mint is not a great companion. In gardening circles it is bitterly referred to as the kikuyu of the edible world, as it will quickly bully your other plants when competing for space. For this reason it’s best to grow mints in their own private spot – pots are recommended – so they can be contained. When planting mint varieties in pots, make sure you use a decent-sized vessel that the plant can grow into. Like buying your child shoes three sizes too big, there is better value in buying a larger-sized pot for your mints.
Many of us will know the basic varieties of mint – common, spear, pepper – but there are many more types, and so much potential for spicing and sweetening up your summer entertaining. Here are a few of our favourites.
PLANTING
Sow directly into a container and let it germinate and establish there, as mint can be invasive and a bit of a bully. Plant at least two seeds in each hole and keep moist until germinated.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and then 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. It’s almost impossible to overwater mint growing in a pot….and we dare you to try.
MAINTENANCE
Prepare the soil with plenty of compost and plant as a seedling in its own pot or a specially dedicated part of the garden. Semi-shaded spots are acceptable.
After a month, mulch with a 3–5cm layer of pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch and give monthly feeds with a liquid seaweed solution.
Sometimes mint finds it difficult to get established, but after 8 weeks you should be able to start picking junctions of leaves.
As the roots spread through the soil, growth becomes prolific and the plant seems impossible to kill.
Potted mint will inevitably become root-bound and stop growing. Harshly cut back the foliage to encourage fresh growth or dig out badly affected pots and replant runners that will quickly sprout.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: 45-60 days
How to harvest: Pick individual leaves, choosing the largest (oldest) so that the plant can regenerate.
TIP
Once established, mint can run rampant in a veggie patch. Planting in pots is a good way to contain this beast.
