Peppermint

What you'll need:

Peppermint seeds, cuttings, or a small peppermint plant (cuttings are easier for beginners!)

A pot with drainage holes (about 8-12 inches wide) or a garden spot

Regular potting soil (mint isn’t picky, but it likes well-draining soil)

Watering can or spray bottle

When to start:

Peppermint is pretty flexible and can be planted indoors at any time of the year. If planting outdoors, wait until after the last frost in spring when the weather is consistently warm.

Finding a good spot:

Peppermint loves sunlight but also tolerates partial shade. Ideally, it should get around 4-6 hours of sun daily. If you're growing mint indoors, place it near a bright window where it gets plenty of light.

Important tip: Mint spreads quickly and can take over your garden if not controlled. Growing it in a pot is often the best way to keep it contained!

Planting medium:

Use regular potting soil. If you're worried about drainage, mix in some sand or perlite to loosen the soil.

If using seeds:

1. Fill your pot with soil and sprinkle a few seeds on top.
2. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (they need light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deep).
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist—don’t drown them!
4. Place the pot in a sunny spot or under grow lights if indoors.
5. Seeds usually sprout within 10-15 days.

If using cuttings or a small plant:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, just big enough for the roots.
2. Place the cutting or plant into the hole and cover the roots with soil.
3. Press down gently to secure the plant.
4. Water immediately after planting.

Pro Tip: Mint grows best from cuttings or by dividing an existing plant. You can even root mint cuttings in water before planting them in soil!

Watering:

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mint likes consistent moisture, especially during hot weather.
• Check the soil every couple of days. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water in the morning so any splashed leaves have time to dry out during the day.

Feeding:

• Mint doesn’t need much fertilizer. Once a month, you can give it a little boost with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
• Too much fertilizer can make mint grow leggy, so less is more here!

Sunlight and temperature:

• Peppermint prefers cooler temperatures (around 60-70°F/15-21°C), but it can handle warmer conditions as long as it gets enough water.
• If you notice the leaves looking droopy, it might be too hot or dry—move it to a shadier spot or mist the leaves with water.

Pruning and maintenance:

• Mint can get a bit wild, so trim it back regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from getting too leggy.
• Pinch off the tips of the stems when the plant is about 6 inches tall to encourage branching.

Tip: Don’t throw away those cuttings! You can use them fresh in tea or cooking, or even root them in water to grow new plants.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting peppermint leaves once the plant is about 6-8 inches tall.
• The best time to pick leaves is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot—this is when the oils are most potent.
• You can harvest individual leaves or cut whole stems.

How to harvest:

• Use scissors or pinch off leaves with your fingers. Always leave a few leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
• For the freshest flavor, pick leaves just before you plan to use them.

Storing peppermint:

• Fresh mint can be stored in a glass of water on your countertop like a bouquet, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge for up to a week.
• You can also dry or freeze mint leaves for longer storage. To dry, hang bunches upside down in a cool, dark place. To freeze, chop the leaves and store them in ice cube trays with water.

Bonus: Dried peppermint leaves make a great tea, and frozen mint is perfect for smoothies!

Q: My mint plant is wilting, what's wrong?

A: Wilting is usually due to either too much or too little water. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, let it dry out a bit before watering again. If it’s bone dry, give it a good drink.

Q: Can I grow mint indoors?

A: Absolutely! Mint does well indoors as long as it gets enough light. Place it near a sunny window or use grow lights if needed. Just remember to water regularly.

Q: Why does my mint plant smell different than expected?

A: There are many varieties of mint, so if you’re growing peppermint, it should have that classic cool, refreshing scent. However, if you’ve accidentally picked up another type of mint (like spearmint), the aroma will differ slightly.

Q: How do I stop mint from spreading everywhere?

A: Growing mint in a pot is the easiest way to control its spread. If you plant it in the ground, consider sinking a barrier (like a plastic pot with the bottom cut out) into the soil to contain the roots.

Q: Can I grow mint from store-bought cuttings?

A: Yes! Just place fresh mint stems in a glass of water, and they’ll sprout roots in a week or two. Once the roots are a few inches long, plant them in soil.