Wild Mint

What you'll need:

Wild mint seeds, seedlings, or a small sprig of mint (mint is easy to propagate from cuttings too!)

A pot (at least 8 inches wide with drainage holes) or a patch in your garden

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

Watering can or spray bottle

• Scissors for harvesting later

When to start:

Wild mint can be planted anytime during the growing season, which is usually spring through early fall. If you're starting from seeds, it’s best to begin indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost and then move them outside when it warms up.

Choosing your spot:

Wild mint loves sunlight, but it can also handle partial shade. Ideally, find a spot that gets at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily. Mint spreads quickly, so it’s often better to grow it in a pot—this keeps it from taking over your garden.

Tip: If you’re planting mint in the ground, consider putting a barrier (like a buried pot with the bottom cut out) around the roots to prevent spreading.

If using seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil—just enough to barely hide the seeds.
3. Mist the soil gently to keep it moist (don’t drown the seeds).
4. Place the pot in a warm spot where it will get some light (but not full sun just yet).
5. Seeds should sprout within 7-14 days.
6. Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, you can transplant them into larger pots or outdoors.

If using cuttings:

1. Take a cutting (about 4-6 inches long) from an existing mint plant—it should have a few leaves on top.
2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving just the top ones.
3. Stick the cutting into a glass of water or directly into damp soil.
4. Keep it moist and in indirect sunlight until roots form (usually takes 1-2 weeks).
5. Once roots are established, plant it into a pot or the ground.

If using seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing down gently.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Spacing Tip: If planting in the ground, space each plant about 12-18 inches apart. In pots, one plant per pot is plenty because mint likes room to spread.

Watering:

• Mint likes moisture but doesn’t like soggy feet. Keep the soil consistently damp, especially during hot weather.
• Check the soil every couple of days—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Morning watering is ideal as it gives any splashed leaves time to dry before evening.

Sunlight Requirements:

• While wild mint grows best in full sun (4-6 hours of direct sunlight), it can tolerate partial shade. If your mint starts looking leggy or pale, it might need more light.

Feeding:

• Mint doesn’t need heavy feeding, but you can give it a little boost by adding a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to early fall).
• Over-fertilizing can make mint grow too fast and lose flavor, so go easy!

Pruning & Controlling Growth:

• Mint grows fast, so regular pruning helps keep it bushy and healthy. Trim back the top third of the plant every few weeks.
• Don’t let it flower unless you want it to reseed everywhere (mint can become invasive if left unchecked).
• If you’re growing in a pot, divide the plant every year or two to prevent overcrowding.

Pest Control:

• Mint rarely has pest problems, but occasionally aphids or spider mites may show up. A quick spray with water or insecticidal soap usually solves the issue.
• Bonus: Mint repels ants and mosquitoes naturally!

When to Harvest:

• You can start harvesting mint leaves as soon as the plant is about 6 inches tall. The best time is in the morning after the dew dries but before the sun gets too hot—this is when the oils (and flavor) are strongest.
• Regularly picking leaves encourages the plant to grow fuller and bushier.

How to Harvest:

• Simply pinch or snip off the top leaves and stems. Always leave at least a third of the plant intact so it can keep growing.
• Use sharp scissors or your fingers to avoid damaging the plant.

Storing Mint:

• Fresh mint can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Put the stems in a glass of water (like a bouquet) and cover loosely with a plastic bag.
• To preserve mint long-term, you can freeze the leaves in ice cube trays with water or chop and dry them for teas and seasoning.

Tip: Mint flowers are edible too! They make a lovely garnish for desserts or salads.

Q: My mint plant is turning yellow. What's wrong?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy. Let the top inch dry out between waterings and ensure your pot has good drainage.

Q: Can I grow mint indoors?

A: Yes! Mint does well indoors as long as it gets enough light. Place it near a sunny window or use a grow light. Be sure to water regularly and mist the leaves to keep humidity up.

Q: Why is my mint plant growing slowly?

A: Slow growth could be due to lack of sunlight, insufficient water, or poor soil nutrients. Check its location and try giving it a bit of diluted fertilizer.

Q: How do I stop mint from spreading everywhere?

A: Growing mint in pots is the easiest way to control it. If planted in the ground, use barriers like buried pots or metal sheets to contain the roots.

Q: My mint tastes bitter. What happened?

A: Bitterness can occur if the mint is flowering or hasn’t been harvested regularly. Prune the plant to encourage new leaf growth, and harvest before it blooms for the best flavor.