Mint is nearly impossible to kill and yields fragrant harvests all summer. Spearmint for cooking, peppermint for tea — both grow like wildfire.
Origin and natural habitat
Mints grow wild in moist ground across Europe and Asia. The plant spreads by underground runners and can cover large areas — in a pot it stays politely in place.
Care
Light
Sun to partial shade; indoors a bright window. Mint actually tolerates more shade than most herbs.
Watering
Mint is thirsty: keep the soil evenly moist and water often in summer. A pot of mint on a balcony may need daily watering in heat.
Soil and feeding
Ordinary rich soil. Feed sparingly — too much fertiliser dilutes the flavour. Harvest regularly and trim before flowering for the best leaves.
Common problems
Rust spots on leaves can appear in crowded growth — thin it out. Leggy, sparse growth means too little light. Aphids on young shoots — rinse off.
Good to know
Mint is one of our oldest medicinal plants and was used as a temple fragrance in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. Safe for cats and dogs.
