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Want to grow mint at home?
It’s easier than you think!
With just a pot and some simple tips, you can have fresh mint anytime. Check out these 10 tactics to grow mint in a pot.
Let’s get growing!
Pick the Right Pot
Mint loves to spread out, so pick a pot that’s at least 12-16 inches wide. Make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom!
You don’t want your mint roots to sit in water and start rotting. A terra-cotta pot works great because it allows some airflow, which is awesome for plant roots.
Getting Your Soil Just Right
Mint isn’t super picky, but it’ll do best in rich, well-draining soil. Grab some potting mix from your local garden center.
If you want to go the extra mile, mix in a bit of compost too. This gives your mint a nutrient boost and keeps it happy.
Plant Your Mint Properly
Fill your pot about three-quarters full with your prepared soil. Dig a small hole and place your mint plant in it, then cover the roots completely.
Gently pat down the soil to remove air pockets. Give it a good watering to settle the roots in their new home.
Watering Your Mint
Mint loves moisture, so make sure to water it regularly. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
During hot weather, you might need to water your mint every day. Just stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Sunlight Needs
Mint does best in partial shade to full sun. If you can, give it around 4-6 hours of sunlight each day.
A bright kitchen window or a sunny spot on your balcony works perfectly. Just avoid intense, midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
Pruning Your Mint
Pruning is key to keeping your mint healthy and bushy. Trim it regularly to encourage new growth.
Snip off the top 3-4 inches whenever the plant gets tall or leggy. These cuttings are great for cooking, so nothing goes to waste!
Fertilizing Tips
Mint isn’t too needy, but a little feed now and then won’t hurt. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Follow the instructions on the package and you’re good to go. Just be careful not to over-fertilize.
Watch Out for Pests
Mint is pretty tough, but keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. If you spot any, spray your plant with a mix of water and mild dish soap.
You can also rinse it off with just water to keep things simple. Keep your mint healthy, and it’ll keep those pests at bay.
Harvesting Mint
You can start harvesting mint as soon as the plant has a few sprigs with some good-sized leaves. Just pinch off leaves as you need them or cut whole sprigs for bigger jobs.
Regular harvesting actually helps your plant grow fuller and healthier, so snip away!
Overwintering Your Mint
If you live in a place with cold winters, bring your mint pot indoors before the first frost. Place it in a spot with natural light, and cut down on the watering a bit.
Mint’s pretty hardy, so it should bounce back in the spring just fine.