Spearmint

What you'll need:

Spearmint seeds or a small spearmint plant (you can find these at garden centers or even in the herb section of grocery stores)

A pot (at least 8-10 inches wide with good drainage holes) or a patch of soil in your garden

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

Watering can or spray bottle

When to start:

Spearmint is very adaptable and grows best in spring or early summer when temperatures are mild. If you're planting indoors, you can start anytime! Mint thrives in cooler weather, so avoid the hottest months if planting outside.

Finding a good spot:

Spearmint loves partial shade or morning sun. It doesn’t like harsh afternoon sunlight, so a spot that gets around 4-6 hours of gentle light works perfectly. Indoors? Place it near a window where it gets some indirect light throughout the day.

Pro tip: Mint spreads quickly, so growing it in a pot will help keep it from taking over your garden!

If you have seeds:

1. Fill your pot with soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil — don’t bury them deep, just lightly press them into the surface.
3. Water gently using a spray bottle or watering can with a fine spout. Keep the soil moist, but don’t drown the seeds.
4. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear lid to keep moisture in until the seeds sprout (this usually takes 7-14 days).
5. Once seedlings appear, remove the cover and move the pot to a brighter spot.

If you have a small mint plant:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and fill the surrounding space with soil, pressing down gently to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Planting tips:

• Space multiple plants about 12-18 inches apart if you’re planting in a garden to give them room to grow.
• If planting in pots, make sure there’s good drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering:

Spearmint likes consistent moisture, but it doesn’t want soggy feet. Check the soil every couple of days by sticking your finger about an inch into it. If it feels dry, water it. During hot weather, you might need to water daily.

Feeding:

Mint isn’t a heavy feeder, but it benefits from a bit of fertilizer every now and then. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall). Too much fertilizer can make the mint taste less minty, so go easy!

Sunlight:

Spearmint does best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. If you notice the leaves looking a bit pale or yellow, it may be getting too much direct sun. Move it to a shadier spot if needed.

Pruning:

To keep your spearmint bushy and healthy, pinch or cut back the stems regularly. This encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Plus, you’ll have fresh mint for your tea or cooking!

Pests and Problems:

Spearmint is naturally resistant to pests because of its strong scent, but if you see any aphids or spider mites, rinse the plant with a gentle spray of water or use a mild soap solution.

When to harvest:

You can start harvesting spearmint as soon as it has grown a few sets of leaves! For the best flavor, wait until the plant is about 6-8 inches tall before you start picking leaves.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pinch off the top leaves and stems. Always leave at least a third of the plant so it can continue to grow.
• Harvest in the morning when the essential oils (flavor!) are most concentrated.

Using your mint:

Fresh spearmint is perfect for teas, salads, cocktails, or as a garnish. You can also dry the leaves by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.

Tip: Regular harvesting helps control the plant's size and keeps it producing more leaves, so feel free to snip often!

Q: My spearmint is spreading everywhere! What should I do?

A: Mint is notorious for spreading aggressively. To keep it in check, plant it in a pot or create a barrier in the ground (like a buried pot with the bottom cut out). Regular pruning will also help control its growth.

Q: Can I grow spearmint indoors all year round?

A: Yes! Spearmint grows well indoors as long as it gets enough light. Place it near a bright window, and you’ll have fresh mint all year. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth.

Q: Why are my mint leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or not enough nutrients. Make sure the soil drains well and isn’t constantly soggy. If you haven’t fertilized recently, try adding a little diluted fertilizer.

Q: Is spearmint safe for pets?

A: Spearmint is generally safe for pets, but in large quantities, it can upset their stomachs. If you’re concerned, it’s best to keep it out of reach or monitor how much they nibble.

Q: Can I propagate spearmint easily?

A: Absolutely! Mint is super easy to propagate. Simply cut a stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water. Once roots form (usually in a week or two), plant it in soil. Voila, a new mint plant!