Natural herbs have been the cure and prevention for many health issues for centuries. These were often delivered in the form of teas, tinctures, and balms. The medicinal properties of mint have been lauded through the years, with many benefits touted. In the modern age, however, we may wonder, is mint good for you? Mint health benefits encompass aromatherapy, digestive enhancement, and as a decongestant, among others. Mint is readily available as an oil, dried tea, and is very easy to grow in the garden.

Modern medicine is a marvel, but many patients still prefer treating their symptoms with natural preparations. Long before today’s pharmacological catalog was available, the medicinal uses of mint leaves featured prominently in daily use for a host of health problems. The pungent flavor and aroma of mint was also used to mask strong odors, cleanse the mouth, and enhance appetite. Certain modern studies of plants in the Mentha genus have determined the herb can reduce stress, fight cancer cells, and even kill bacteria.

Is Mint Good for You?

A draught of mint tea has long been known to help a troubled tummy. It has also featured widely in products designed to increase air intake and clear stuffy heads. There are many species of mint in the Mentha genus, which grow naturally on every continent except Antarctica. Mint spreads rapidly and grows rampantly, which means it can become invasive in the home garden. It only requires minimal care and produces a prolific array of the tasty, aromatic leaves though.

Mint is well known in dessert dishes and has a role in many cuisines' savory recipes, such as Middle Eastern dishes like tabbouleh and the classic mint jelly with lamb. Outside of culinary applications, mint has surprising health benefits that can protect cells, enhance skin health, and cure a variety of ailments.

Medicinal Uses of Mint Leaves

The health benefits of mint tea are widely known as a digestive, but many more bodily issues will find help from the herb. The leaves are the part of the plant that's used, and they should be harvested before flowering. Mint leaves are excellent used fresh or dried for later use, although the flavor diminishes in dried leaves over time. Mint leaves can also be frozen for certain preparations. Mint is known to:

• Ease sour stomach
• Treat headache
• Treat fever
• Diminish aches and pains
• Calm the mind and relax the body
• Reduce asthma symptoms
• Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assistance
• Treat cold symptoms
• Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Enhance brain function
• Relieve sore and cracked skin

Outside of medical applications mint has also been used to repel mice and rats, which do not like the odor.

How to Harness Mint’s Benefits

Mint is available to purchase fresh, as part of topical applications, in oil, and in capsule form. For the home gardener, the easiest way to enjoy mint from the garden is either as tea or water. Simply steep chopped, fresh, or dried leaves in water for several minutes. Strain the mixture and enjoy it hot or chilled for cooling mint water. Add sugar, lemon, or honey to taste. The fresh leaves may also be muddled with lime or other complimentary juice for a refreshing beverage. Chewing on fresh leaves will quickly aid in digestive distress.

Mint oil is useful for aromatherapy. Gently warm a neutral oil with plenty of chopped, blended, or ripped mint leaves. After the oil has warmed, let the mixture cool and strain out the leaves. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark location. Mint vinegar lasts a long time and is easy to make. Cover mint leaves in vinegar in a glass or jar. Let the concoction steep for 14 days and then strain out the solids. Store similar to oil.

Did you know that you can grow peppermint as a houseplant? Imagine picking your own fresh peppermint for cooking, teas, and drinks whenever you need it. Growing peppermint indoors year-round is easy given proper care. 

Indoor Peppermint Plant Care

How convenient would it be to be able to grow peppermint inside for all your culinary needs? Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 outdoors, but you can easily grow it indoors too, as long as you consider a few things.

One very important aspect to consider in growing peppermint inside is to have the right pot to grow it in. Choose a pot that is wider than it is tall and one that has a drainage hole. The reason is that peppermint will send out runners and will spread horizontally fairly quickly. As the runners grow, the mint spreads and you will have more to harvest. 

There is no need to place more than one plant in a pot because mint plants are very aggressive growers and will quickly fill the pot. 

Place your peppermint plant right in front of a window and give it as much direct sunshine indoors that you can. It will need at least four to six hours of direct sun for best results. Southern exposure windows are ideal. You’ll need to turn the pot frequently so that the plant grows straight; otherwise, it will be leaning all to one side towards the window. If you lack a sufficiently sunny windowsill, you can easily grow these plants under a grow light or fluorescent light. 

Indoor mint prefers fairly moist soil. In between thorough waterings allow the top inch (2.5 cm.) or so to become dry and then water again. Depending on if you are growing in a terra cotta pot versus plastic or glazed ceramic, and also on how much light you are giving your plant, the time in between watering will vary. Simply feel the soil with your finger. Never allow your peppermint plant to sit in water and make sure to discard any excess water that collects in the saucer below the plant. Peppermint plants dislike having wet feet. 

Mint plants are susceptible to rust. One way to avoid this is to never mist your plants or get the leaves wet, especially if air circulation is poor, which it tends to be in many indoor locations. 

If you’ve ever sunk back into a chair with the invigorating, yet soothing aroma of a hot cup of mint tea, it will come as no surprise that peppermint has medicinal healing powers.

What are some other ways of using peppermint herb plants? You already know about some peppermint plants uses-- toothpaste, for example, but there are other ways to use peppermint. Read on to find out what to do with this herb.

What to Do with Peppermint

Leave the tea bags on the grocery shelves and do yourself a favor by steeping your tea with fresh mint leaves; just steep the leaves for five minutes in boiling water. Peppermint also makes delicious, iced tea. Tea isn’t the only beverage that benefits from using peppermint herb plants.

Fresh lemonade infused with a few sprigs of peppermint becomes something sublime, and don’t forget the adult beverages, such as mojitos, to cool and refresh on a summer evening.

Another peppermint plant use is, of course, in food. Chop peppermint into fresh fruit salad or cool down fiery curries with a few sprigs. Two classic pairings are mint and fresh spring peas or mint jelly with lamb.

Think outside the box and add mint to other veggies such as carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini. Mint pesto, a better substitute for the aforementioned mint jelly, can be made with lots of fresh peppermint, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and ground pepper. Go nuts and add almonds or step things up by adding cilantro to your pesto.

Additional Peppermint Plant Uses

To freshen your breath after dinner, chew on some fresh peppermint leaves or swish some homemade peppermint mouthwash around your mouth. For the mouthwash, chop peppermint and add to boiling water to infuse. Cool and then strain the herbs out and store in the refrigerator. If you are breastfeeding, skip this peppermint plant use, as peppermint can reduce milk supply.

Since you’re in the bathroom, another way to use peppermint is in the bath. Steep a good handful of mint leaves in a pitcher of hot water for ten minutes and then strain the peppermint out. Add the infused water to your bath.

What else should you be using peppermint herb plants for? Peppermint leaves can ease the pain of sunburn. Simply make a strong batch of peppermint tea and then cool it in the fridge. Gently apply to burned skin with cotton pads.

Another way to use peppermint is as a bug repellant. Strong aromatic herbs are good for repelling bugs. Issues with moths in the closet? Tie a bundle of peppermint together and hang it where you hang your clothes or fill a nylon stocking or other breathable bag with crushed leaves.

You can also crush mint and rub the essential oil across your skin to ward off midges and other pests. Ants are repelled by a few crushed stems of mint placed where they enter the house. Even fleas are deterred by the invigorating aroma. Just stuff a small pillow with fresh mint and thyme and place it on your fur babies’ bedding.

Since peppermint is known to repel pests, don’t forget to incorporate them around the vegetable garden to ward off pesky insects. Just remember that all the mints are voracious in their growth habit, so unless you want them to take over the garden, they should be planted in containers.

Mint plants have a pungent and invigorating aroma that can be used for teas and even salads. The fragrance of some mint varieties doesn’t sit well with insects, however. That means that you can use mint as a pest deterrent. But does mint repel pests of the four-legged kind?

No scientific studies suggest that mint plants in the garden keep away domesticated animals like cats, or even wildlife, like raccoons and moles. However, gardeners swear that bugs don’t like mint, including mosquitoes and spiders. Read on for more information about repelling pests with mint.

Does Mint Repel Pests?

Mint (Mentha spp.) is a plant prized for its lemony fresh aroma. Some varieties of mint, such as peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), also have insect repellent properties.

When you are searching for bugs that don’t like mint, remember that not every type of mint causes a reaction in the same insects. Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden. On the other hand, pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) is said to repel ticks and fleas.

Repelling Pests with Mint

It is nothing new to attempt repelling pests with mint concoctions. In fact, if you look at the ingredient list for some commercially available “safe” pest repellents, you may find that they have left out the harsh chemicals and replaced them with peppermint oil.

You don’t have to buy a product though; you can make your own. To use mint as a pest deterrent, all you need to do is rub peppermint or spearmint leaves against your bare skin when you are heading outside. Alternatively, create your own repellent spray by adding peppermint or spearmint essential oil to a little witch hazel.

Animals That Don’t Like Mint

Does mint repel pests? It is a proven repellent for insect pests. It is harder to pin down its effect on larger animals, however. You will hear about animals that don’t like mint, as well as tales about how planting mint keeps these animals from damaging your garden.

The jury is still out on this question. Since mint serves so many purposes in the garden, do your own experiments. Plant several types of mint in an area injured by animal pests and see what happens.

We’d love to know the results.

Herbal remedies are all the rage at the moment, but their use actually dates back centuries. Peppermint, for example, was first cultivated in England in the late 17th century but has been documented as being in use in ancient Egypt. Around 1,000 BC, ancient civilizations used peppermint for its health benefits, but is peppermint really good for you, and if so, what benefits does peppermint have?

Is Peppermint Good for You?

Peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatic). The benefits of peppermint have been hyped for centuries for everything from gastrointestinal distress to relaxation.

While some ancient remedies utilizing peppermint for health may be questionable, modern science has proven that, yes, peppermint is good for you, although there are some cautions to that statement. Read on to learn about the benefits of peppermint as well as its limitations.

What Benefits Does Peppermint Have?

Peppermint has long been used to treat indigestion and other gastrointestinal ailments. During the 18th century, the use of peppermint for health reasons expanded to treating morning sickness, respiratory infections, menstrual issues, and nausea.

In fact, in 1721 peppermint was listed in the London Pharmacopoeia as a remedy for not only morning sickness and menstrual pain but for colds, colic, and gas. Since then, scientists have delved into what makes peppermint tick and if peppermint really has concrete benefits to a person’s health.

Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint features prominently in a variety of products as a flavoring agent and a component of the herb, menthol, can be found in many topical ointments destined for use on muscle aches or congestion.

There’s a reason peppermint oil is sought after for use in these medications. Peppermint relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can aid in symptoms caused by indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome.

The lively, mint aroma of peppermint oil is also said to make a person more alert. Peppermint actually increases the oxygen count in the bloodstream, which in turn, increases the flow to the brain. While this doesn’t actually make you more intelligent, it does focus your intellect on the task at hand.

This is probably why some people chew gum (often peppermint) while they are taking a test or other task that requires concentration. Studies have also shown that peppermint can improve athletic performance as well as reaction times.

Cautions Regarding the Use of Peppermint for Health

While there is no doubt that peppermint oil has health benefits related to the gastric system, as with all good things, there are some downsides.

Peppermint also relaxes the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, which may then cause reflux and heartburn. This can be a real pain for folks with hiatal hernia or GERD.

Also, peppermint oil use may be toxic to the kidneys when used at high doses and should be avoided by those with gallstones or gallbladder issues. It can also interact with some medications.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist, or other suitable professional for advice.

Mint has a justified reputation as the garden bully. If you allow it to grow unrestrained, it can and will take over. Picking mint plants often can keep the plant in check, although a better method is to plant in a container. Regardless, mint is vigorous and easy to grow, although you might be wondering, “when can I harvest mint?”.

There’s no trick to harvesting mint leaves, the trick might be having enough uses for mint herbs. Keep reading to find out how to harvest mint leaves.

When Can I Harvest Mint?

Mint is a greedy perennial that at first develops into a tidy, bushy green clump. Of course, the disguise of the well-mannered herb doesn’t last long and soon enough it’s off to conquer the rest of the garden. As mentioned, the herb is best confined to a container but if yours is not, the best way to tame the beast is by harvesting mint leaves.

You can begin picking mint leaves in the spring as soon as the plant has leafed out and continue to harvest as often as possible. Not only will harvesting mint leaves frequently keep the herb in check, but it indicates to the plant to produce new aromatic foliage. The more you pick, the more the herb will grow, meaning you can pick sprigs throughout the growing season.

Mint contains essential oils that impart its signature aroma. To get the most out of the flavor and aroma of mint, harvest at its peak, just before flowering. Pick mint in the morning when the essential oils are percolating to get the most intense flavor.

How to Harvest Mint

There is no trick to picking mint plants. The leaves can be plucked individually if you just need a few, or the plant can be pruned with shears and then the leaves removed from the stems.

If you aren’t using the mint immediately, either place the stems in a glass of water for three to seven days or put them into a plastic bag stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Uses for Mint Herbs

Now that you have plenty of mint, what do you use it for? You can dry it for later or use it fresh. Steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes to make a soothing mint tea. Freeze mint leaves along with cranberries or raspberries and water in ice cube trays for festive, tasty ice cubes.

Mint features prominently in the cuisine of the Middle East in tabouli and other dishes. Preserve mint in the form of mint jelly for a classic condiment alongside lamb. Mint and peas are a classic combination, but try mint with zucchini or fresh beans to elevate them to something sublime.

Toss mint leaves into fresh fruit salad or add it to salad dressings and marinades. Garnish platters with the pretty, bright green leaves, or toss them with fresh lime and sugar mixed with rum and carbonated water for a refreshing mojito.

Mint is rambunctious, easy to grow, and it tastes (and smells) great. Growing mint from cuttings can be done a couple of ways – in potting soil or water. Both methods of mint cutting propagation are super simple and both will produce a rooted plant in a very short time. Read on and learn how to root mint.

How to Take Cuttings from Mint

Get everything ready before you take cuttings from mint, as the sprigs will wilt quickly. To take cuttings from mint, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut stems about 3 to 5 inches (8-10 cm.) long. Remove at least two or three leaves from the lower part of the stem but leave the top leaves intact. New growth will appear at the nodes.

The ideal time to grow mint from cuttings is when the plant is in full growth in late spring or early summer, before the plant begins to bloom. Be sure the plant is healthy and free of pests and disease.

How to Root Mint in Water

For mint cutting propagation in water, stick the cuttings in a clear vase or jar with about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water in the bottom. Place the cuttings where they are exposed to bright, indirect light. Replace the water whenever it begins to look brackish.

Once the roots are a few inches (8 cm.) long, plant the cutting in a pot filled with potting mix. You want the roots to be thick and healthy, but don’t wait too long because the cuttings will have a harder time adjusting to the new environment. Usually a couple of weeks is about right.

How to Root Mint in Potting Soil

Fill a small pot with moistened commercial potting soil. Be sure the pot has a drainage hole, as the cuttings are likely to rot in waterlogged soil. At this point, you can dip the bottom of the stems in rooting hormone. However, mint roots easily and this step generally isn’t necessary.

Poke a hole in the moist potting mix with your pinky finger or the eraser end of a pencil. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the potting mix gently around the cutting.

You can safely put several cuttings in the same pot but space them far enough apart that the leaves aren’t touching. Keep the cuttings in indirect sunlight until they show new growth. Water as needed to keep the potting mix lightly moist, but never saturated.

Once the cuttings are rooted, you can leave them as is or you can move each cutting into its own pot. If you intend to plant the mint outside wait until you’re sure the cuttings are well established.

Mint is an attractive, useful herb and the aroma is nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, it isn’t always well behaved and when it's grown in the garden, this pretty little plant tends to be a bit of a bully.

Mint container growing is an option if you’re concerned about the aggressive nature of this rambunctious plant or if you just don’t have space for an herb garden. Place potted mint plants on your front step where you can snip the leaves as needed or grow mint in containers indoors.

Caring for Container-Grown Mint

It’s possible to grow mint from seed, although germination is undependable. If you want to give it a try, plant seeds for growing indoors any time of year, but be sure they have plenty of warmth and sunlight. If you’re not interested in planting seeds, purchase a small mint plant at a nursery that specializes in herbs. This is the easiest and most dependable way to grow mint in pots.

Fill a container with quality potting mix. Any type of container is fine as long as it has a drainage hole in the bottom and measures at least 12 inches (31 cm.) in diameter. Mix a little time-release fertilizer into the soil before planting mint, and again every spring. Don’t overfeed container grown mint, as too much fertilizer can diminish the pungent flavor.

Once the plant is safely in the pot, put it where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Mint tolerates a little shade but thrives in full sunlight.

Water container-grown mint whenever the top inch (2.5 cm.) of potting mix feels dry to the touch. Mint can tolerate a bit of dry soil but not long periods of drought. If you’re growing potted mint plants outdoors check the pot daily during hot, dry weather.

Pinch the tips of mint regularly to promote bushier, fuller growth. If the plant begins to look spindly, cut it back by at least half. You can safely trim potted mint plants to within about an inch (2.5 cm.) above the soil. Remove blooms as soon as they appear. Allowing the plant to bloom will reduce the potency and quality of the mint.

You don't have to be a fan of lamb or mojitos to love the scent and flavor of mint. Having it nearby in the garden attracts bees and allows you to access that zippy aroma and refreshing flavor for teas, seasonings, pest repellent, and even household deodorizing. Growing mint from seed is easy and the little plants really take off once installed in a garden bed. Here are a few tips on starting mint seeds so you can enjoy these fragrant herbs in your landscape.

When to Plant Mint Seeds

Mint is a culinary herb of the Mediterranean and Asian regions. It is featured prominently in many recipes from savory to sweet and even in beverages. It is a hardy perennial herb and grows quickly, often becoming invasive. There are over 3,500 varieties with special characteristics which makes variety selection important. Once you have your cultivar, sowing mint seeds at the right time will ensure a big, beautiful crop of this versatile herb. If you wish to transplant the seedlings outside in spring once soil has warmed, the seeds need to be planted in late winter. In warmer regions, they can be directly sown into prepared garden soil in mid-spring. However, because this is a hardy perennial, they can also be started any time up until two months before the first expected frost. You can also grow mint in containers and start indoors at any time. The key to growing mint from seed is well-draining soil that mimics the natural soils of the plant's native region. Mint prefers slightly acidic, moist, rich soil.

How to Plant Mint Seeds

You can start sowing mint seed in containers or flats or in prepared garden soil. Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep. The seeds are tiny, but you can space them with a seed injector or simply thin the seedlings once germinated. Expect germination in 10 to 15 days. Keep flats in a warm location and soil lightly moist but not soggy. A cover over the flat can speed germination. Remove it once you see sprouts. If starting mint seeds outdoors, sow seeds on the surface of prepared soil and cover with a light layer of vermiculite. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, harden them off and plant them into beds or outdoor containers. Once the little plants are ready to transplant, take containers outdoors and let them acclimate for a week to outdoor conditions before moving them. Water new plants regularly. Ideally, mint needs 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) of water per week during the growing season. Use drip irrigation or water in the morning to allow leaves to dry. Overly wet leaves may lead to fungal diseases. Apply fertilizer in early spring. A balanced plant food with a 16-16-16 ratio is ideal. Do not over fertilize, as it can diminish oil production and lead to disease issues. Mint can be aggressive so it may be best to plant it in containers or in an out of the way area of the garden. Alternatively, you can let it ramble around where human contact will release the oils and perfume the area with a heavenly scent.

Mint has a reputation and believe me, it’s warranted. Anyone who has ever grown mint will attest to the fact that unless it is contained, it’s likely to overtake the garden. Now that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. How about if you wanted to use mint as a groundcover? Since it is so aggressive, it seems to me that planting mint as groundcover is a match made in heaven. Mint would seem useful to not only fill in empty space but as a valuable asset for soil retention.

About Groundcover Mint

Mint has been around and prized for centuries for its fresh scent and flavor. There are more than 600 mint varieties, some with an upright habit and some low growing mint more suitable as groundcover. Using mint as groundcover really does seem to be a win/win, provided that’s pretty much all you want in the space. Mint spreads quickly and stealthily by underground stems. It can live in a variety of climates and is easy to grow. As these hardy herbaceous perennials range in height at maturity, you should be selective in choosing which mint you are planting for groundcover. The ideal mint to fill in empty space is the diminutive Corsican mint (M. requienii). Since it grows so rapidly and rampantly, this variety of mint is an excellent choice for groundcover, especially if you are looking for a carefree specimen and have no future plans for other plantings in the area. If you are interested in planting groundcover to stabilize the soil, mint might just fit the bill. This mint forms runners, making it an excellent plant for use in areas that need soil stabilization. The densely matted runners will help prevent erosion and sediment runoff. Again, Corsican would be the most ideal mint for soil retention too. Corsican mint is a mat-forming mint that thrives in full sun to partial shade when provided with ample water. Another bonus, Corsican mint is tolerant of being trod on by the kids and dogs. The only affect when gently crushed is that it releases a pleasant minty or sage-like aroma.

Habek mint plants are a member of the family Labiatae that are commonly cultivated in the Middle East but can be grown here in USDA hardy zones 5 through 11. The following habek mint information discusses the growing and uses for habek mint.

Habek Mint Information

Habek mint (Mentha longifolia ‘Habak’) crosses with other species of mint easily and, as such, it often doesn’t breed true. It can vary greatly in height, although it tends to be a couple of feet (61 cm.) tall. Habek mint has a number of common names. One such name is ‘Bible mint.’ Since the herb is cultivated in the Middle East, this species is thought to be the mint mentioned in the New Testament, hence the name. This hardy perennial mint has pointed, mildly hairy leaves that, when bruised, give off a camphor-like aroma. The flowers are borne on long, mauve-colored spikes. Habek mint plants, like all mint, are aggressive spreaders and unless you wish them to take over, it is best to plant them in pots or otherwise restrain their rampant roaming.

Growing Habek Mint

This easily grown herb thrives in most soils so long as they are moist. Habek mint prefers sun exposure, although it will grow in partial shade. While plants can be started from seed, as mentioned, they may not breed true. The plant is easily propagated by division, however. Once the plant has flowered, cut it back to the ground, which will prevent it from coming back woody. Plants in containers should be divided in the spring. Divide the plant into quarters and replant one quarter back into the container along with fresh soil and organic fertilizer. Habek mint makes a great companion plant grown near cabbages and tomatoes. The aromatic leaves deter pests that are attracted to these crops.

Uses for Habek Mint

Habek mint plants are employed both medicinally and for culinary uses. The essential oils of habek mint that give the plant its distinctive aroma are used for their medicinal properties. The oil is said to have stimulant anti-asthmatic, antiseptic, and antispasmodic properties. A tea is made from the leaves and used for everything from coughs, colds, stomach cramps, and asthma to flatulence, indigestion, and headaches. In Africa parts of the plant are used to treat eye diseases. While the essential oils in the mint can be used as an antiseptic, large doses are toxic. Externally, this mint has been used to treat wounds and swollen glands. Decoctions of the leaves are also used as enemas. In the spring, the tender young leaves are hairless and can be used in cooking in place of spearmint. A common ingredient in both Middle Eastern and Greek foods, the scented leaves are used to flavor a variety of cooked foods and in salads and chutneys. The leaves are also dried or used fresh and steeped into a tea. The essential oil from the leaves and flower tops is used as a flavoring in sweets.

Orange mint (Mentha piperita citrata) is a mint hybrid known for its strong, pleasant citrus flavor and aroma. It’s prized for its culinary uses both for cooking and beverages. On top of being useful in the kitchen, its fragrance makes it a great choice for garden borders where its tendrils can be easily bruised by foot traffic, releasing its scent into the air. Keep reading to learn more about growing orange mint and the uses for orange mint plants.

Growing Orange Mint Herbs

Orange mint herbs, like all mint varieties, are vigorous growers and can overwhelm a garden if they’re allowed to. To keep your orange mint in check, it’s best either to grow it in pots or in containers sunk in the ground. Sunken containers will give the appearance of a regular garden bed while preventing the roots from spreading out beyond their limits. That being said, if you have a space that you’d like to fill out quickly, orange mint is a good choice.

Caring For Orange Mint Plants

Caring for orange mint is very easy. It prefers rich, moist, clay-like soils that are a little acidic, which means it can fill in damp, dense areas of your yard or garden where nothing else will take hold. It grows best in full sun, but it also does very well in partial shade. It can handle quite a bit of neglect. In mid to late summer, it will produce spiked flowers in pink and white that are very good for attracting butterflies. You can use the leaves in salads, jellies, desserts, pestos, lemonades, cocktails, and a wide variety of other dishes. The leaves are edible and very fragrant both raw and cooked.

You may know ginger mint plants (Mentha x gracilis) by one of their many alternate names: redmint, Scotch spearmint, or golden apple mint. Whatever you choose to call them, ginger mint is handy to have around, and the uses for ginger mint are many. Read on to learn about growing ginger mint in your own garden.

Growing Ginger Mint

Ginger mint plants are usually sterile and don’t set seeds, but you can propagate the plant by taking softwood cuttings or rhizomes from an existing plant. You can also purchase a starter plant at a greenhouse or nursery specializing in herbs.

These plants prefer moist, rich soil and full sun or partial shade. Ginger mint is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Once established, ginger mint spreads by runners, and like most types of mint, may become aggressive. If this is a concern, plant ginger mint herbs in pots to reign in rampant growth. You can also grow ginger mint indoors.

Work 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) of compost or manure into the soil at planting time. The plants also benefit from an application of compost or manure, along with a small amount of balanced garden fertilizer. Allow 24 inches (61 cm.) between plants to allow for growth.

Ginger Mint Plant Care

Water ginger mint regularly during the growing season, but don’t overwater, as mint is susceptible to disease in wet conditions. Generally, 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) of water per week is ample, depending on soil type and weather conditions.

Fertilize once in early spring using a balanced fertilizer with a ratio such as 16-16-16. Limit feeding to about 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) of fertilizer per plant, as too much fertilizer reduces the oils in the plant, thus negatively affecting the flavor and overall quality.

Divide ginger mint herbs as necessary to prevent overcrowding.

Spray the plant with insecticidal soap spray if aphids become a problem.

Harvest ginger mint throughout the growing season, beginning when plants are 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) tall.

Uses for Ginger Mint

In the landscape, ginger mint is highly attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees.

Like all types of mint, ginger mint herbs are high in fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Dried mint is higher in nutrition than fresh mint, but both are delicious in teas and for flavoring a variety of dishes. Fresh ginger mint herbs make delicious jams, jellies, and sauces.

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is a spreading, ground-hugging plant with petite, round leaves that emit a powerful, minty aroma when bruised. Also known as creeping mint, Corsican mint plants, which spread by narrow stems that take root as they grow, are well suited for filling in around steppingstones or pavers but aren’t sturdy enough for heavy foot traffic. Read on to learn more about Corsican mint in gardens.

Growing Corsican Mint

Corsican mint plants tolerate full or partial sunlight. Nearly any type of moist, well-drained soil is suitable. Keep in mind that, like most mint plants, Corsican mint self-seeds readily and can be somewhat aggressive. This plant is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. It freezes in colder climates but usually self-seeds in spring.

Using Corsican Mint

In addition to its uses as a groundcover in the garden, Corsican mint is a valuable culinary plant and great for containers. Snip the leaves to flavor hot and cold drinks, ice cream, and baked goods.

Growing Corsican Mint Indoors

Corsican mint is easily grown indoors. Use a lightweight, well-drained potting mix and be sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom. Place the mint where it receives morning sunlight, but where it is protected from intense light and heat. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but decrease watering during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry slightly.

Caring for Corsican Mint

Corsican mint can be somewhat finicky, especially when it comes to irrigation. These plants don’t tolerate drought, which means the soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Fertilize Corsican mint every spring using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This plant is a light feeder, so avoid overfertilizing. Thin the plant regularly and avoid overcrowding, as mint plants require plenty of air circulation. Protect Corsican mint plants with a light covering of mulch if you live in a climate where winter freezes are possible. The plant is able to tolerate light frosts without protection.

Banana mint plants (Mentha arvensis 'Banana') are a variety of mint with bright, fuzzy, lime green foliage and a pronounced, very delightful aroma of banana. Like all mint plants, growing banana mint is easy. Read on for all the banana mint information you need to get started with this fun and rather quirky plant.

Banana Mint Information

Although these plants are grown primarily for their foliage, the small purple flowers, which bloom throughout the summer, are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The mature height of the plant is about 18 inches (46 cm.). Banana mint plants are perennial and suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 11.

Growing Banana Mint

Banana mint grows in partial shade or full sunlight and in nearly any type of well-drained soil. However, keep in mind that although banana mint may not be quite as rowdy as many of its mint cousins, it can still become quite aggressive. If you’re concerned that the plants may be bullies in your garden, plant them in containers to keep growth in check. Planting seeds isn’t recommended for banana mint and may not produce the results you’re hoping for. However, it’s easy to start mint cuttings or divisions from an existing plant, or by planting young banana mint plants purchased at a nursery or greenhouse. You can even root banana mint cuttings in a glass of water.

Banana Mint Care

Banana mint requires little care. The most important thing is to keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Banana mint plants don’t tolerate dry soil. Harvest banana mint regularly to keep the plant full and attractive. If the plant ever begins to look long and leggy in midsummer, feel free to cut it back by about one-third of its height. It will rebound quickly. Cut the plants nearly to the ground in fall. If you live in the cooler ranges of the acceptable climate zones, a layer of mulch will protect the roots during the winter.

Uses for Banana Mint

Fresh banana mint leaves add flavor to hot and cold tea, adult beverages, ice cream, and baked goods such as muffins and cookies. The leaves are also easy to dry for use in the off-season.

If you have herbs in your garden, you likely have mint, but what other plants grow well with mint? Read on to find out about companion planting with mint and a list of mint plant companions.

Companion Planting with Mint

Companion planting is when different crops are planted near each other to control pests, aid in pollination, and to harbor beneficial insects. The byproducts of companion planting maximize garden space and increases healthy crop yields. Mint is no exception to this practice.

The aromatic aroma of mint isn’t as pleasing to many crop pests, so planting crops next to mint can deter these plant nemeses. So, what plants grow well with mint?

Plant Companions for Mint

Mint helps deter flea beetles, which chew holes in the foliage, of crops like:

• Kale
• Radish
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower

Carrots are another plant companion for mint and benefit from its proximity, mint discourages carrot root fly. The pungent scent of mint confuses the insect which finds its dinner by smell. The same is true of onion flies. Planting mint next to onions will baffle the flies.

Tomatoes also benefit from comingled mint planting in this way, as the aroma of the mint deters aphids and other pests. Speaking of aphids, planting mint near your prize roses will also repel these pests.

The powerful aromatic oils of mint seem to be beneficial to all of the above mint plant companions in repelling harmful insect pests. Other plant companions for mint include:

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Chili and bell peppers
• Eggplant
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Salad burnet
• Squash

Do keep in mind that mint is a prolific spreader, some might become invasive. Once you have mint, you will likely always have mint, and lots of it. If it keeps the aphids and other winged marauders out of the veggie garden, it’s probably a small price to pay. I’m sure you can find a way to use up all that mint in the garden – mint-pistachio pesto, peas, and mint with pancetta, or MOJITOS!

Mint is a rapidly growing herb that is nearly indestructible. This aromatic plant likes to be cut back and really needs to be or it may take over the garden. On occasion, critters -- often worms -- decide they like mint as much as you do. What can be done about worms eating a mint plant and what might these worms be? Let’s learn more.

Help, There are Green Worms on Mint Plants!

Mint should be grown in partial shade to full sun and is extremely hardy. It can survive temperatures down to -29 degrees F. (-33 C.). Believe me when I say that it can overtake a garden space unless it is controlled. Plant this aromatic herb in soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Even though it’s a tough plant, like all plants it may become afflicted with some sort of disease or pest. Some of the less desirable nibblers include aphids, thrips, slugs, and snails, and even bunnies love to nibble on the sweet-smelling plant. If you witness damage to the plant and rule out the above culprits, another invader might just be worms in the mint plant. Worms in mint plants may be visible as small, green “inch” worms. They look kind of cute but they have a voracious appetite and if you hanker mojitos all summer long, they must be stopped! How can you get rid of these little, green worms on the mint plant?

Treatment for Worms Eating Mint Plant

Well, you can always visually hunt for them and then squish the worms. It may take a while with this tactic to eradicate the pests, but at least you aren’t poisoning the mint or surrounding area with chemicals. Another organic approach is to use Bacillis thuringiensis. Yes, it’s a mouthful, but all it really is a bacterium that will kill off the caterpillars with little to no effect on you, wildlife, pollinators, and other beneficial insects. The downside to this is that you must cut back the mint to the ground prior to applying Bacillis thuringiensis, or Bt. No worries though, as the mint will rapidly regroup. What if you can’t see any worms eating the mint plant? The culprit might still be mint plant worms – cutworms to be exact. Cutworms are nocturnal feeders, and then post-feast hide in the soil during the day at the plant’s base or in its debris. If you dig down a little bit, you may find cutworm larvae. They are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) in length with a wide range of colors and patterns. A telltale sign it’s a cutworm? They curl into a C-shape when disturbed. Cutworms aren’t picky about their diet and will eat all manner of veggies as well as other plants. They attack my rhodies on a regular basis. So how can you get rid of cutworms? Maintenance of the garden area is of primary importance and the first step. Clean out any plant debris, ridding the worms of a cozy place to hide. Then spread diatomaceous earth around the base of the mint plants. The sharp, diatomaceous soil will cut the insects if they try and crawl over it. It will also keep the snails and slugs at bay if they are a problem for you too. You can also go out at night with a flashlight and hand pluck the larvae from the plant. Lastly, of course, if you choose not to go the organic route, there are insecticides that can be applied to kill the larvae, but why would you deny yourself the pleasure of crawling around in the dark with a flashlight and squishing worms?

Pruning mint is a pleasant task, as the plants release a new burst of minty fragrance with each cut you make. You have two objectives when pruning the plant: to keep the bed healthy and to prevent it from flowering and going to seed. Flowering reduces the quality and potency of the leaves. Read on to find out when and how to prune mint plants. 

Never be afraid to pinch a few sprigs of mint when you need them, but if you need a large quantity of mint, wait until pruning time. If you want a low-growing bed of mint, you can keep it as short as 4 inches (10 cm.). This is a good height for mint grown in small containers. Otherwise, let it grow 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm.) tall before you prune it.

When to Prune Mint

You can sometimes get a light harvest from mint during the first year, but it's generally best to wait until the second year, just before the plants bloom. After mint blooms, it loses some of its essential oil, making the leaves less fragrant and flavorful. 

Watch for the buds that indicate when the plant is about to bloom. Once buds appear, you can pinch them or cut back the plants. During the second year, you can cut the plants back two or three times. Use a pair of pruners like the Felco F6 [from Amazon] when cutting the mint for a quick, clean cut.

Trimming mint plants to the ground before winter is an essential part of preventing insect pests and diseases, such as anthracnose, that would otherwise overwinter in the plants.

How to Prune Mint

If you're pruning mint during the growing season, cut the plants back by about half. This will remove the tips of the plant where the flowers would otherwise bloom and provide plenty of mint for fresh use, freezing, or drying. When you perform mint plant pruning at the end of the year or end of season, cut them to within an inch (2.5 cm.) of the ground. If you have a large bed, you can use a lawn mower.

Mint growers already know that their plants can grow explosively, making pests out of themselves in places where they're not welcome, but not all mint growers are aware of an even more obnoxious pest that feeds on these plants. When your well-behaved mint plants suddenly take a bad turn, wilt unexpectedly, or seem unwell, mint plant borers may be to blame.

What are Mint Borers?

Mint borers are the larval form of a light brown moth that hold their wings over themselves like a partially flattened tent. Adults reach up to 3/4 inch (2 cm.), emerging from mid-June through mid-August. During the week they're alive, adults lay eggs aggressively on peppermint and spearmint leaves. Larvae emerge in about 10 days and begin feeding on leaves. After a few days, these hungry larvae drop into the soil to chew on root hairs and burrow into the rhizomes of their host plants. The serious mint root borer damage starts at this point and continues for up to three months before the larvae leave the roots to pupate.

How to Treat Mint Borers

Mint plant borers are difficult to control because they spend most of their lives hiding inside the roots of plants most gardeners would rather keep alive. Mint root borer damage is subtle, further complicating things; signs like reduced yield, stunted growth, and general weakness can be caused by a myriad of plant problems. Beneficial nematodes may be used for mint root borer control, though repeated applications are usually necessary before you see noticeable improvement. Releasing parasitic nematodes at a rate of one to two billion juveniles per acre in late August to early September can help decrease the number of juveniles that make it to adulthood. Space applications a week apart to establish a healthy colony of nematodes and reapply new eggs the following fall to further shore up numbers. Chemicals like chlorantraniliprole, chlorpyrifos, or ethoprop can be applied to beds where mint plant borers are a constant threat, but only chlorantraniliprole should be used during the growing season-- you need only wait three days for a safe harvest. Chlorpyrifos requires 90 days between application and harvest, whereas ethoprop needs 225 days.

Care Of Field Mint - Tips For Planting Wild Mint In The Garden

What is wild mint or field mint? Field mint (Mentha arvensis) is a wild mint native to the central part of the United States. The scent of this wild mint growing in a field is often so strong you can smell it long before you can see it.

Keep reading for field mint information and learn about wild mint growing in your garden.

Field Mint Info

Native Americans used to drink field mint tea as a remedy for colds, and it's still used today for teas and flavorings for food.

It's an unusual-looking mint plant, with a square stem that grows from 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm.) tall with tufts of flowers puffing out around the stem every few inches.

As with other types of mint, picking mature field mint leaves first thing in the morning ensures the best flavor. Enjoy it fresh chopped in iced tea, sprinkled on a salad or mixed into a variety of dishes. Dry the leaves for long term storage. You can enjoy mint tea from fresh or dried leaves.

Wild Mint Growing Conditions

Planting wild mint begins with choosing the right patch of garden in which to plant it.

This plant does not like to get dried out, so sandy soils aren't the best environment in which to grow your field mint. Dig a good quantity of compost into sandy soils to help keep the soil moist. Make sure your proposed planting site includes full sun, or almost full sun. Field mint can tolerate light shade, but not dappled sun, like underneath a tree.

Like any other mint plant, the care of field mint plant isn't so much a question of keeping it healthy and alive as it is of keeping it held back. Mint is one of the most invasive plants you can put in your garden and can take over an entire yard in a matter of a few years.

The easiest and least expensive way to prevent this from happening is by planting all mint plants in containers and never putting them in the garden itself. Use a rich potting soil and a large pot to allow the mint to spread out a bit, and keep the flowers deadheaded to prevent them from seeding onto nearby soil.

Plant field mint seeds in the fall after the leaves have fallen from the trees, or store them in the refrigerator vegetable bin for at least three months before planting them in the spring.

Plant the seeds by sprinkling them on top of the soil, then watering them in. Seedlings should sprout in about a week.

Watermint plants are aquatic to riparian flora. It naturally occurs in northern Europe along waterways, in storm ditches, and near rivers and other waterways. Older generations had many thoughts on how to use watermint. It has topical uses, can be made into a tea, helps in natural pest control, and other properties. Mentha aquatica, as it is known to botanical students, is abundant in its native range and hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.

What is Watermint?

Shore plants, like watermint, are important for erosion control, food sources, animal habitat, and simple waterline beauty. What is watermint? Growing watermint around the pond will add fragrance in the summer blooming season and attract butterflies and pollinating insects. The midsummer blooms are caps of tiny florets amassed into a larger flower in deep hues of purple to blue, creating a beautiful effect. Watermint has thick, dark green leaves, tinged with deep, purple veins, and slight hair. Like all mints, this plant spreads with long runners, which root at nodes and create daughter plants. It has the tendency to become invasive, so plant in a container to prevent invasive growth.

Growing Watermint

Plant Mentha aquatica along the edges of bodies of water or in shallow water. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil in moist loam. Watermint plants do best in full sun but can also thrive in partial shade. The stems spread out appealingly on top of water and the bright fresh flowers add fragrance and color to the pond or water garden. You can plant the mint directly into the ground but to prevent spreading, try planting in a container with good drainage holes. Sink it directly into the edge of the water so moisture constantly flows around the roots. Watermint has few pest or disease problems, but it tends to get a little rust, so avoid overhead watering in warmer, humid regions. The plant responds favorably to light trimming and will push out thicker growth when cut back. Watermint is a perennial plant that may die back in cold weather but will burst with fresh, green growth when temperatures warm.

How to Use Watermint

Watermint plants have topical medicinal properties as a balm for sore muscles and an aid for cleaning wounds. The oils in the leaves add flavor to cooking and baking and leaves add a bright zing to salads. You can dry the leaves for use as a tea, which aids in digestion and calms ulcers. As a natural pesticide, it repels flies and mice seem to avoid the scent of the plant. Mentha aquatica distillations are also refreshing additions to mouthwash, body wash, and even lotions. The pure refreshing scent can add a boost to potpourri and as an aromatherapy treatment the plant calms and refreshes. As with all mints, the oils and aroma help relieve stuffy noses and clear the breathing passages. Watermint is a valuable and lovely addition to the garden, with uses beyond medicinal and culinary. Add the oil to cleaning products to freshen the home and enliven the air.

There are over a thousand different varieties of mint. Ginger mint (Mentha x gracilis syn. Mentha x gentilis) is a cross between corn mint and spearmint, and smells very much like spearmint. Often called slender mint or scotch mint, variegated ginger mint plants have beautiful bright yellow stripes on the leaves. Let's learn more about growing ginger mint plants.

Growing Ginger Mint

Ginger mint, like all other varieties of mint, is easy to grow and can quickly get out of hand when allowed to grow freely. If you have the space to let your mint plants run, it will kindly oblige. Otherwise, it's best to contain it in a pot of some kind. To keep growth under control, you can even cut the bottom out of large coffee can and place this in the ground. This mint is not particularly picky about the soil it grows in as long as it is not too dry. Ginger mint will even grow well in heavy soils loaded with clay. Place plants in a sunny or partly sunny location for best results.

Care of Ginger Mint Herbs

If you plant your mint in a container, be sure to keep the soil amply moist. Containers dry out quickly in the hot summer heat. Check the soil a couple of times a week to be sure that it is moist to touch. Ginger mint in the garden will appreciate a generous layer of mulch. Use garden compost, bark chips, cocoa shells, or other finely shredded compost. This will help to retain moisture and protect the ginger mint herbs over the winter. Feed your plants with bone meal twice a year for best performance. To keep your mints plants looking their best, clip the older woody stems back to allow younger shoots to fill in. In late fall, cut the plants back to the ground. This protects the plant and allow vital energy to be put into new growth for the following season. Harvest young shoots as they appear in the spring. Always collect mint leaves on a dry day before the hot sun comes out and use right away for best taste. Division is easily accomplished any time of the year, however, spring or fall is best. Any part of the root will grow a new plant.

Ginger Mint Uses

Ginger mint herbs are a delightful addition to fresh summer melon salads, as well as warm or cool teas and lemonade. Finely chopped pieces of mint can be added to softened butter for a delicious spread. Fresh grilled meats taste great with a lemon juice and mint leaf marinade.

Pineapple mint plants (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata') are among the most attractive varieties of mints. There are a number of pineapple mint uses that make this versatile plant well worth growing. Use it in beverages, as an attractive garnish, in potpourris, and in any dish that calls for mint. It makes an attractive and fragrant groundcover, and also grows well in containers and hanging baskets. The only problem with pineapple mint is that it spreads vigorously. This can be good if you want to use it as a groundcover to fill an area, but it will eventually find its way into the rest of the garden unless you install a deep edging around it. Growing pineapple mint in containers is a good way to keep this and other mints under control, but you'll still need to take some precautions. The plant has been known to escape through the drainage holes in the bottoms of pots and even jump from pot to pot in container groupings.

What is Pineapple Mint?

Pineapple mint is a variegated cultivar of apple mint (Mentha suaveolens). It features attractive, variegated leaves, usually with white margins, on plants that grow up to a foot (31 cm.) tall. The leaves are bumpy and hairy and the white edging can make them look as though they are sporting a ruffle. White or light pink flowers bloom on small spikes at the top of the plant in summer. The flowers attract a wide variety of pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies. Deer dislike strong fragrances and hairy leaves, so they have two reasons to dislike pineapple mint.

How to Care for Pineapple Mint

Grow pineapple mint in full sun or partial shade in rich, moist soil. Plants grown in sun tend to stand upright, while those that get afternoon shade sprawl near the ground. Keep the soil evenly moist until the plants are well-established. Once they are growing well, you'll only need to water them during dry spells. The plants don't need regular fertilization when planted in good garden soil. Older plants become woody and unattractive. Pull them up and let younger plants fill in the empty space. Pinch out the growing tips of pineapple mint plants regularly to keep them compact and bushy. You may occasionally find solid green sprigs of mint mixed in with your pineapple mint. These are sprigs of apple mint-- the parent plant of the pineapple mint cultivar. You should pinch them out as you find them because, like most variegated plants, pineapple mint isn't as vigorous as its non-variegated parent plant, and the apple mint will soon take over.

Herbs enliven the garden and accent it with a richness of texture, unique scents, and properties. Calamint (Calamintha nepeta) is a native herb to the UK with a host of potential medicinal uses and a lovely flower display and intense leaf texture. The herb thrives in organic to sandy soils and releases a strong camphor scent when the leaves are crushed. You may wonder, “Can I grow calamint?” The plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 and is an easy to grow and care for herb.

About Calamint Plants

Calamint plants are thick stemmed, bushy herbs that spread from rhizomes like most mint plants. The leaves are heavily veined and highly textured, many sporting ridges and most with hairy or fuzzy foliage. Some types of calamint may be 4 to 24 inches (10-61 cm.) tall and bloom in mid to late summer with some varieties flowering in fall. Flowers are two-lipped slender tubes in hues that range from purple to red and into white and cream. The plant can self-sow but its more invasive qualities are found from the ranging stems and rhizomes, which root at internodes and can create new plants.

Types of Calamint

Calamint is a member of the Labiatae family and includes all types of mints. This group of herbs is vast and includes a variety of cultivars and specimens. There is a grandiflora variety with larger fuzzy veined leaves and lavender tubular flowers. The scent is amazing, with a burst of minty-tangerine freshness. Among the lesser calamint is a variety with a grapefruit-mint scent and many other pungent aromas. The diminutive Ozark calamint is only 6 inches (15 cm.) tall with vibrant red flowers in late spring. Other varieties sport imaginative names such as wild basil, monkey flower, mountain thyme, and limestone savory. The smallest of the lesser calamint is a 4 inch (10 cm.) tall trailing variety with pink to mauve blooms.

Growing Calamint Herbs

Place calamint plants in full sun where soils drain well. Container gardening is a good way to keep the herbs from spreading. They also make excellent border plants but some maintenance is necessary to keep the plant from invading other areas. The potager garden is also a prime spot for growing calamint herbs. There you can easily access the leaves and stems for a host of useful purposes. Calamint has few pest or disease problems but you need to be vigilant for small insect pests such as whitefly. Treat with a horticultural soap or blasts of fresh water to rinse off the insects.

How to Use Calamint

This has long been a medicinal herb with uses ranging from topical to endemic. The high menthol content of the leaves makes it a perfect poultice for bruises and contusions, as well as a rub for bronchial issues. It is not wise to handle or use the herb if you are pregnant. How to use calamint in seasoning though? Traditionally, the herb has been used to flavor meats, but the variety dictates the flavor profile. Some more closely resemble thyme, while others are similar to zingy basil. Calamint plants are attractive to butterflies and bees and dry well as an addition to potpourri. Dry the leaves for a refreshing hot or cold tea. This versatile plant will become one of your favorites for its carefree nature, beauty, and usefulness.

Mints are aromatic garden plants that have so many culinary and medicinal uses; everyone loves them. There are as many flavors of mint as there is ice cream. Varieties include chocolate, banana, apple, spearmint, peppermint, orange, ginger, and the ever popular lavender mint plants. Mints are attractive plants and make delightful additions to teas, soups, cold drinks, salads and desserts. Lavender mint has delicate purple flowers and is hardy in USDA growing zones 3 to 7.

Growing Lavender Mint

Growing lavender mint (Mentha piperita 'Lavendula') isn't difficult, as mint is generally not fussy and a perfect starter plant for those just getting into gardening. Like peppermint, lavender mint plants have a red stem and delicious floral overtones. One caveat that must be mentioned about growing any type of mint is its invasive nature. Once mint gets started, it runs like a freight train throughout the garden. It is best to contain lavender mint in a fairly shallow, wide pot, for best results. It's also a good idea not to combine different types of mints together but give them each their own space. You can also put mint in large tin cans or buckets with open bottoms and bury them in the garden to keep plants contained. However, if you have a large open space and require a perennial groundcover, lavender mint is a good choice, as it tolerates some shade and will grow well under trees and shrubs as long as it gets a little sun daily. Although mints are not particular about the soil, if you grow it in a pot, be sure to use a loamy soil that drains well.

Care of Lavender Mint

Mint plants are a breeze to care for and are often called the perfect lazy gardener's companion. Care of a lavender mint plant in a pot is minimal as long as you make sure that the soil does not become overly dry. Keep the soil evenly moist and offer more water during especially dry times. A layer of mulch helps mint plants in the ground retain moisture. Mint can be cut back in the fall and mulched for overwintering. To share mint, dig and divide plants or start new plants from leaf cuttings.

How to Use Lavender Mint

Like other mints, the lavender mint family is remarkably versatile. This mint is equally at home in the kitchen as it is in the medicine cabinet. Most often used dry for potpourris and teas, lavender mint is also a key ingredient in a number of personal care products including lip balms, shampoos and creams. Add a sprig or two of lavender mint to your salads, pastas or soups for a taste enhancer. Fresh lavender mint is also a pleasant addition to a glass of cold lemonade or on top of a dish of fresh strawberries.

& Bonnie L. Grant If there's one thing you can count on, it's mint. The herb is about as vigorous as a plant can get, with a hardy nature and fast growth pattern. Experts estimate that there are over 600 different types of mint. Most of us are familiar with the two most popular types-- spearmint and peppermint-- but you're missing out if you don't try some of the more unusual mint varieties. The grapefruit mint plant is just one of many varieties of this pungent herb. Let's find out more about growing grapefruit mint plant.

Grapefruit Mint Plant Info

Grapefruit mint (Mentha x piperita 'Grapefruit') is a perennial in USDA zones 6 through 11 and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Like most mints, it's an easy plant to grow and perfect for novice gardeners who want to start out growing a small herb garden. The plant features slightly furry, deep green leaves with an intoxicating citrus-mint scent and can grow 12 to 14 inches (31-36 cm.) tall and 18 inches (46 cm.) wide. It tends to be rangy and leggy unless you pinch it back to force thicker growth. In the late summer or early fall, grapefruit mint shoots up a spike in the middle covered with beautiful lavender flowers. Bees, butterflies, and birds love these blooms, so this plant will bring in wildlife unless you clip off the flowers and use them in bouquets.

Growing & Care of Grapefruit Mint Herbs

Like almost every other mint variety, grapefruit mint is almost too easy to grow and propagate. Although it's not as invasive as some of the other varieties of the herb, unless you want an entire yard filled with mint in a short number of years, it is best to place growing grapefruit mint herbs in a planter to keep the roots away from your garden soil. Place the planters in full sun, although the plant will survive if your only planting spot has a bit of shade in the afternoons. Use fresh potting soil mixed with compost for good drainage and nutrients. Herbs are very hardy in general, and mint is one of the most enduring plants. Its only disease problem is rust, which is easily avoided by preventing overhead watering. Other than that, keep the soil watered on a regular basis, especially during the hottest summer months. Mulch with wood chips or organic compost and deadhead the plant to increase foliage growth.

Propagating Grapefruit Mint Herbs

Mint can be propagated from root division or stem cuttings. Take cuttings in early spring. Remove a 3 inch (8 cm.) section of stem with several new bud nodes. Pull off the bottom leaves and stick the stem in a glass of water. Soon the nodes will begin to root. When you have healthy roots, you can plant it just as you would any other herb. Division is best done at the same time. Simply dig up the plant and cut it into sections with vigorous root growth and some stems.

Using Grapefruit Mint Herbs

This unusually flavored mint adds a tangy flavor to many different foods. Snip off the top leaves, beginning with the first leaves in the season. Harvest your grapefruit mint plant throughout the growing season and it will continue to produce tasty leaves. Chop the leaves and sprinkle them in fruit salad, crush them and add to iced tea, or freeze them in ice cube trays (with water) and add them to water after a workout. The tangy flavor will also add a special touch to fish and chicken dishes as well as fruity desserts. Try growing grapefruit mint in containers right near the back door for the freshest tasting summer garnish. This attractive addition to your herb garden can liven up your summer meals as well as your backyard scenery.

A kitchen garden feels empty without a decent collection of herbs, including many varieties of mint. These hardy plants are capable of producing a wide range of flavors for drinks and bakery goods and require little care. For keepers of mint, rust fungus is just one of a few serious diseases to bear in mind. Keep reading for information on mint rust symptoms and how to treat this disease.

What is Mint Rust Fungus?

Mint rust is caused by a fungus, Puccinia menthae, which only infects plants in the mint family, especially spearmint and peppermint. It is encouraged by overhead irrigation, which frequently allows water to stand on plant leaves long enough for the fungal spores to germinate. Closely planted mints, or those that need to be thinned, are at a heightened risk due to increased humidity around the plants.

What Does Mint Rust Look Like?

Rust on mint plants looks similar to other rusts in later stages, with orange to rust-colored spots covering the undersides of lower leaves in early spring. Mint rust symptoms may progress, manifesting as leaves that turn completely brown and drop from affected plants. In late summer and early fall, when these dropped leaves regrow, darker spots often appear instead. The very early stages of mint rust may appear as white bumps on mint leaves.

Controlling Mint Rust

There are many ways to control mint rust, depending on your preferred method of management. Organic gardeners and those looking to preserve beneficial insects may want to destroy infected mint plants or remove infected leaves if the disease is mild. Any rust-infected tissues should be immediately burned or double bagged, and all plant debris kept away from your mint to discourage re-infestation. Thinning your mint stand will allow better air circulation that can dry out rust fungus without the use of fungicide. Changing the way you water will slow or even stop rust fungus; always water mint at the base, never on the leaves, and do it early in the day so water will evaporate quickly. Potted mints shoved into corners should be brought away from walls and fences.

Fungicidal Treatments for Rust on Mint Plants

When cultural modifications fail, you may want to consider chemical control. You'll have to wait a number of days, anywhere from a week to about three months to harvest leaves after the final treatment, so only apply fungicide when absolutely necessary. Give cultural controls a week or more to work before moving to stronger control methods. Azoxystrobin can be applied to infested leaves and only requires a week between treatment and harvest, though it may work more effectively when rotated with myclobutanil or propiconazole (both require a month before safe harvest). Ornamental mints can be treated with chlorothalonil; the 80 day wait to harvest won't render the plants useless.

Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is a lovely, aromatic mint plant that can rapidly become obnoxious if not contained. When kept confined, this is a beautiful herb with many fantastic culinary, medicinal and decorative properties. Let's learn more about how to grow an apple mint herb plant.

About Apple Mint Plants

Europeans introduced this member of the mint family to America where it has been embraced as a garden plant including many cultivars. Reaching about 2 feet (.60 m.) at maturity, apple mint plants have woolly stems, fragrant serrated leaves and terminal spikes that bear white or light pink flowers beginning in late summer or early fall.

How to Grow an Apple Mint Herb

Apple mint, known endearingly by some as the “fuzzy mint” or “woolly mint,” can be planted from seed or plant and it propagates easily by cuttings. Since apple mint can be invasive, it is wise to consider confining the plants to a container. You can put the plant in a container and then bury the container. Rich soil that drains well and has a pH of 6.0. to 7.0 is best. If spreading is not an issue, you can plant directly into the ground. This mint likes part shade to part sun locations and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Consider planting apple mint alongside cabbage, peas, tomatoes and broccoli to improve their flavor.

Apple Mint Care

Provide water for early plants and during times of drought. Caring for established apple mint is not overly taxing. Large areas can be easily mowed to keep under control. Smaller plots or containers are healthiest if cut back a few times each season. In the fall, cut back all apple mint to the ground and cover with a 2-inch (5 cm.) layer of mulch where winters are harsh.

Apple Mint Uses

Growing apple mint is a lot of fun, as you can do so many things with it. Bruised apple mint leaves added to a pitcher of ice water with lemon make the perfect “afternoon in the shade” summer treat. Dried apple mint leaves are a delicious warm tea that is perfect for cooler weather. For drying, harvest the leaves when they are fresh by cutting the stalks just before they bloom. Hang the stalks to dry and store them in airtight containers. Use fresh leaves as a pretty and fragrant dessert topping, as salad additions or to make tasty apple mint dressings.

What is a shiso herb? Shiso, otherwise known as perilla, beefsteak plant, Chinese basil, or purple mint, is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. For centuries, growing perilla mint has been cultivated in China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and other Asian countries but is more often classified as a weed in North America. Perilla mint plants are often found growing along fences, roadsides, in hay fields or pastures and are, hence, more often termed a weed in other countries. These mint plants are also quite toxic to cattle and other livestock, so it's no wonder why shiso is considered more of a noxious, undesirable weed in some areas of the world.

Uses for Perilla Mint Plants

Prized in Asian countries not only for its culinary uses, the oil extracted from these mint plants is also utilized as a valuable fuel source, while the leaves themselves are used medicinally and as a food coloring. The seeds from the perilla beefsteak plant are eaten by people as well as a bird food. Perilla mint plants (Perilla frutescens) may be grown as ornamentals due to their erect habitat and green or purplish green to red serrated leaves. Growing perilla mint has a distinctive minty aroma, especially when mature. In Japanese cuisine, where shiso is a common ingredient, there are two types of shiso: Aojiso and Akajiso (green and red). More recently, ethnic food markets in the United States carry many perilla mint plant products from fresh greens, oil, and condiments such as pickled plums or plum sauce. Perilla added to condiments not only colors the product but adds an antimicrobial agent to pickled food. Oil from perilla mint is not only a fuel source in some countries but has recently been found to be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and is now sold as such to health conscious Western consumers. Additionally, perilla mint plant oil is used similarly to tung or linseed oil and also in paints, lacquers, varnish, inks, linoleum, and waterproof coating on cloth. This unsaturated oil is slightly unstable but is 2,000 times sweeter than sugar and four to eight times sweeter than saccharin. This high sugar content makes it a great candidate for alcohol production for consumption, but more usually used in the manufacture of fragrances or perfumes.

How to Grow Perilla Shiso

So, sounds intriguing, yes? The question now then is how to grow perilla shiso? Growing perilla mint plants are summer annuals which do best in warm, humid climates. When cultivating perilla, its downfall is its limited seed viability in storage, so store seeds at lower temperatures and humidity to improve the storage life and plant before they are a year old. Seeds for perilla plants can be sown as soon as possible in the spring and will self pollinate. Plant perilla seedlings 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) apart in well-drained but moist soil with full to partial sun exposure or direct sow them in well-drained soil and lightly cover. The shiso seeds will germinate rapidly at 68 degrees F. (20 C.) or even a little cooler.

Perilla Shiso Care

Perilla shiso care requires a medium amount of water. If the weather is exceedingly warm and humid, the plants' tops should be pinched back to encourage bushier, less rangy plant growth. Flowers of the growing perilla mint bloom from July to October and are white to purple, attaining their maximum height of 6 inches (15 cm.) to 3 feet (1 m.) tall before dying off during the coming frost. After the first year of growing perilla mint plants, they will easily self-seed in successive seasons.

A member of the family Lamiaceae, red raripila mint plants (Mentha x smithiana) are hybrid plants composed of the corn mint (Mentha arvensis), watermint (Mentha aquatica), and spearmint (Mentha spicata). More commonly used in Northern and Central Europe, acquiring red raripila plants may require a bit more research, as other mint varieties are more popular in the United States and Canada, but well worth the effort for its lovely, green/red leaves with red stems.

Red Raripila Mint Information

Pollinated and extremely popular to bees and butterflies makes the red raripila mint extremely susceptible to cross-hybridization. Growing red raripila mint plants are, however, not attractive to deer, making them a nice addition to rural landscapes. Red raripila mint is also a great companion plant to vegetable crops such as cabbages and tomatoes as they act as a deterrent to troublesome insect pests. As mentioned, it may be a bit more of a challenge to obtain these plants in North America, but if one does obtain seed, be aware that this little hybrid is generally sterile and thus, the seed will usually not breed true. If, however, seed is acquired, it may be sown in the spring in a cold frame and has a relatively quick germination. Once the red raripila plants attain some size, transplant them to pots or another restrictive growing area. Red raripila mint is easily divisible and should be done in spring or fall, although the plant is fairly tolerant of division most any time of the year. Any portion of the root is capable of creating a new plant and will establish rapidly with a limited amount of fuss.

Care of Red Raripila Mint

Care of red raripila plants, as for all mint varieties, is fairly simple. Like all mint plants, red raripila plants are aggressive spreaders once established and should be planted either in pots or in a confined area. Easy to grow, this little perennial succeeds in almost any type of soil as long as it is not too arid, including heavily clay-laden soils. Care of red raripila mint includes slightly acidic soil. Growing red raripila mint plants may be sown in areas of full sun to partial shade, although to boost the production of essential oils, full sun exposure is most advantageous.

How to Use Red Raripila Mints

Like most mint varieties, red raripila mint is excellent brewed as a tea and can be used fresh or dried. The flavor of red raripila mint is reminiscent of spearmint and has the resulting refreshing taste and similarity of use. The essential oils derived from red raripila mint plants are used in everything from ice cream to beverages and are extremely popular in Northern and Central Europe and down under in Australia to flavor fresh peas or mint jelly for the lamb and mutton dishes popular in those countries. These essential oils are also offensive to rats and mice, so it has also been spread in granaries and other areas of grain storage to discourage the rodent population. Medicinal uses have been associated with this plant as well. The oils from red raripila mint are thought to aid in digestive distress and are often used for their antiseptic properties. As with many mint species, red raripila has been used in the treatment of headaches, fevers, digestive distress, and other minor medical issues. Chewing on the leaves will also, like spearmint, freshen one's breath. Like all other members of the mint family, red raripila mint plants' essential oils should be limited or avoided by pregnant women as the ingestion has been known to trigger miscarriages.

There are over 7,500 varieties of mint. The mint species regularly hybridizes, naturally creating different species. It has also been heavily bred to bring out certain traits, and imbue the plant with specific flavors. This is why there are pineapple, ginger, lemon, and many more types of mint plants. For an exciting culinary adventure, here are 16 popular and tasty mint plants to try growing.

Varieties of Mint

If you know how to grow mint of one variety, you basically know how to grow them all - mint plants all have about the same cultural requirements. Mint may spread and become invasive but container growing is an ideal way to prevent invasiveness. Moist, well draining soil is crucial but the plants will thrive in full to partial sun. Mint flowers are a beacon for pollinators and the scent perfumes the garden.

1. Peppermint - Mentha piperita

Peppermint is a cross between spearmint and wintermint. It is an upright perennial plant that can survive on just 3 hours of sun per day. Pinching mint will enforce a compact, thicker form. Grow peppermint to use as a tea, in mint sauce, or as an addition to desserts.

2. Spearmint- Mentha spicata

Spearmint is native to Europe and found growing wild near ponds, streams, and other moist locations. Unlike many mint species, spearmint has almost hairless leaves attached to the stem by a petiole. It forms dense thickets of ground cover. The plant is 12 inches tall (30 cm.) and is one of the most used mints. Making mint sauce with lamb is one of the common reasons for growing spearmint.

3. Pineapple Mint- Mentha suaveolens

Pineapple mint may also be referred to as wooly or apple mint. It is a variegated species with white borders along the green leaves. Pineapple mint care is easy, and it boasts a classic mint flavor combined with fruitiness. In iced tea it imparts a tropical freshness. The pale flowers bring in a host of beneficial insects.

4. Orange Mint- Mentha piperita citrata

Orange mint releases a citrus aroma when the leaves are bruised. It spreads from rhizomes and can become invasive, so growing orange mint in containers is advisable. The flavorful leaves impart a light orange fragrance to lemonade and cocktails.

5. Chocolate Mint- Mentha piperita

Chocolate mint is a cross of peppermint and orange mint. This is a sterile variety that produces no seeds. The plant grows upright to a height of 2 feet (0.6 m) and bears slightly rounded green leaves and lavender flowers. If you're growing chocolate mint, you'll notice that while the scent resembles chocolate, the flavor is more akin to that of orange mint.

6. Ginger Mint- Mentha gracilis

This is a boldly flavored plant also called Scotch or Vietnamese mint. It is a cross between spearmint and corn mint. It forms an aggressive shrub of 2 feet (0.6 m), so growing ginger mint should be done with caution. Teas made from the plant are used to treat fever, headache, and gastronomic issues. The flavor of ginger mint pairs well with tomatoes and melons.

7. Horsemint- Monarda punctata

Horsemint is a true mint in the Lamiaceae family. It is in a group of plants known as “bee balms”. Also known as spotted horsemint due to the spotted bracts. This mint is quite tall at 3 feet (0.9 m.) and very cold hardy. It has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat colds, fevers, and skin disorders.

8. Catmint- Nepeta mussinii

Catmint is a common herb that is renowned for its attractiveness to felines. It is native to temperate Eurasia and tropical Africa. This mint should be planted in full sun. The plant tends to spread but does well in containers. Catmint herb flowers attract many beneficial insects and the minty flavored leaves are edible but do not contain a strong menthol flavor.

9. Lemon Mint- Monarda citriodora

Lemon mint is also known as purple horsemint. It has the mint family’s characteristic square stems and produces deep purple flowers. It's drought tolerant, so growing lemon mint in sunny borders or cut flower gardens is easy. The leaves release a citrus scent when crushed.

10. Corn Mint -Mentha arvensis

Corn mint or yerba buena, is an erect, hairy leaved plant with a distinct slightly moldy but floral scent. It is native to parts of Europe and Asia. In traditional Japanese medicine, growing corn mint for its oil is common, as it is used for a host of ailments.

11. Calamint- Calamintha nepeta

Calamint’s scientific name translates from the Latin to “beautiful mint”. The plant produces prolific clouds of white flowers for months, giving pollinators plenty of nectar. It is a bushy perennial hardy to USDA zone 5. Crushing the foliage releases the scent of mint. Growing calamint is useful in areas with deer, who are repelled by the scent.

12. Water mint- Mentha aquatica

Watermint is a European native found along streams and other waterways. The leaves are deeply green, hairy, and have purple veins. Growing watermint along a home pond or waterfall is ideal, as it makes an excellent riparian plant. To prevent its spread, plant it in a pot lightly submerged in water.

13. Grapefruit Mint- Mentha piperita

Grapefruit mint is only hardy to United States Department of Agriculture zone 6, and is therefore one of the less cold tolerant species. It spreads like most species and cultivars, providing 1 foot tall (0.3 m) groundcover, so growing grapefruit mint should be done with caution. The bruised leaves release a citrusy mint scent.

14. Pennyroyal- Mentha pulegium

There is an American species of pennyroyal that is not a true mint but the leaves release a minty scent. European pennyroyal, or Mentha pulegium, is a true mint and hardy to USDA zones 5-9. Growing pennyroyal was once common as it was widely used as a medicine, both from its oil and its leaves dried as tea.

15. Red Raripila Mint-Mentha smithiana

Red raripila is a true hybrid made of corn mint, watermint, and spearmint. It has green leaves with red veins and stems. Red raripila care is rewarding - thought this mint is sterile, it produces many flowers attractive to pollinating insects.

16. Lavender Mint- Mentha piperita

This is a red stemmed mint with characteristic hairy leaves that are rounded rather than oval. The flowers look very much like lavender, but the scent is mostly minty. Growing lavender mint for harvest is rewarding - the leaves may be used fresh or dried, but dried leaves lose some scent and flavor.

Leaves of chocolate mint plants add versatility to drinks, desserts and garnishes for a variety of dishes you prepare in the kitchen. Growing chocolate mint, both indoors and outside, is an easy way to always have a fresh supply of the chocolate herb plant. Chocolate mint plants (Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate') are attractive, fragrant and easy to grow. As with most square-stemmed members of the mint family, growing chocolate mint can take over the area in which it is planted in the ground, readily and quickly. When learning how to care for chocolate mint, know that it must be contained in some way to avoid rapid spread. Horror stories of the escape of uncontained chocolate mint are shared by gardeners who planted it directly in the ground, only for it to take over the bed or spread to a neighbor's property where it then had to be removed.

How to Grow and Harvest Chocolate Mint

Growing chocolate mint in containers is easy. Regular pinching and division keeps chocolate mint healthy, full and under control. Mature brownish red stems and attractive serrated leaves become full after pinching out the tips. Use the leaves in your dishes and drinks. Longer stems of the chocolate herb plant can be clipped for rooting more plants. Learning how to grow and harvest chocolate mint provides a regular supply of the fragrant leaves, which may be used fresh or dried for later use. Growing chocolate mint outside in pots that can be placed in full to partial sun is easy. Once you have a cutting rooted, you likely won't need to get another plant. Yearly division of the contents of the pot results in an abundance of plants for you to keep or share with friends and family, so that everyone has a container of the useful chocolate herb plant. If you want to grow chocolate mint in a garden with other herbs, plant the entire container and sink it into the ground. Don't remove the bottom of the pot. Roots of the growing chocolate mint plant may escape through drainage holes, but you can remove the container once in a while and clip off any roots that grow from drainage holes. You can also include it in a chocolate themed garden with other chocolate plants. Learning how to care for chocolate mint is simple too. Water and fertilize occasionally and grow in full sun for maximum flavor. Harvest throughout the growing season, unless you want the plant to display its attractive pink flowers in late spring to midsummer. If so, clip after flowering. Root new cuttings in late summer to bring inside for the winter.

Mint is native to the Mediterranean, but spread into Britain and eventually to America. The Pilgrims brought mint with them on their first journey overseas. One of the most favored of the mint plants is spearmint (Mentha spicata). This highly aromatic plant is valued for its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic use. Spearmint resembles peppermint, though spearmint plants have bright green leaves that are pointed, and lavender flower spikes that grow up to 4 inches (10 cm.) long. When planted in ideal conditions, spearmint will reach a mature height and width of 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.). Growing spearmint plants in the garden is a rewarding and useful experience.

How to Grow Spearmint

Learning how to grow spearmint isn't much different than growing other mint plants. Spearmint is a hardy perennial up to USDA plant hardiness Zone 5 that grows best in partial shade with well-draining, rich, moist soil and a pH of 6.5 to 7. Mint is easiest to grow from plants, but you can sow seed once the ground has warmed in the spring. Keep seeds moist until they germinate and thin plants to 1 foot (31 cm.) apart. Spearmint, once planted, takes off quickly and can take over quickly as well. Many people question how to plant spearmint due to its invasive nature. Some cautious gardeners grow spearmint in hanging baskets or containers to avoid having to pull out runners constantly. Another way to plant spearmint if you want it in the garden is to plant it in a 5-gallon (18.9 L.) pot with the bottom cut out. This will help keep the runners of growing spearmint plants from invading other spots of your garden.

Care of Spearmint

As with most types of mint, the care of spearmint is easy. Mint in the garden should be mulched annually to keep the roots cool and moist. Potted mint does best when fertilized monthly during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer. Divide plants every two years to keep them healthy. Prune potted plants regularly to keep neat and tidy. If you live in an area with very cold winters, it is best to bring potted spearmint indoors and place in a sunny window. Knowing how to plant spearmint correctly in the garden will provide you with years of lasting beauty and usefulness.

Almost everyone has heard of peppermint. That's the flavoring they use in toothpaste and chewing gum, isn't it? Yes, it is, but a peppermint planting in your home garden can offer you so much more. Learning how to grow peppermint is easy, but before we get into growing peppermint, let's learn a little bit about the plant itself. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) was first cultivated in 1750 near London, England as an experimental hybrid between watermint and spearmint. That you can now find naturally growing peppermint almost anywhere in the world is a testament not only to its adaptability, but as an indication of its medicinal qualities. Once our forefathers, or more likely foremothers, learned how to use the peppermint plant, they took it everywhere they moved or visited where some, no doubt, was left behind with new friends.

Peppermint Planting and Care of Peppermint

Although the care of peppermint is a little more involved than just sticking it in the ground, it certainly isn't intricate. First and foremost, this plant needs lots of water and it is often found naturalized by streams and ponds where the soil is rich and the drainage is good. It won't tolerate dry conditions. While partial sun is sufficient for peppermint, planting it in full sun will increase the potency of its oils and medicinal qualities. Though not as invasive as some of its mint relatives, no instructions on how to grow peppermint would be complete without mentioning its tendency to spread. Because of this, many gardeners prefer growing peppermint in containers. Others grow it in the ground with wood or plastic edging buried around the bed to prevent the spread of roots. Whatever method is chosen, good care of peppermint includes moving the plants to a new location every three or four years. They tend to weaken and become spindly if left in the same place for too long. There are two main cultivated varieties of this aromatic herb: black and white. Black peppermint has deep purple-green leaves and stems and a higher oil content. The white is actually light green and has a milder flavor. Either is adequate for growing peppermint at home.

How to Use Peppermint Plant

You can keep a peppermint planting simply for its delightful saw-toothed leaves and delicate flowers or for the spicy fragrance released when the leaves are crushed between your fingers. However, once you learn to use the peppermint plant for medicinal purposes, you may become an even greater fan. Within the pharmaceutical community, many home remedies were written off as old wives tales, but recent university research has revealed that many of our grandmother's recommendations for how to use peppermint plant were indeed accurate and effective. Here are some proven facts:

• Digestion - Peppermint is good for indigestion and bloating. As a carminative herb, peppermint has the ability to expel gas from the stomach and intestines by relaxing the muscles involved. It has also been used to successfully treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It should not, however, be used for the treatment of Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) as it may further relax the muscles that prevent the backflow of stomach acid thus worsening the problem.
• Colds and Flu - Peppermint is a natural decongestant. One of the herb's active ingredients is menthol, which thins mucus and will therefore loosen phlegm and reduce coughs. It is soothing to sore throats.
• Type II Diabetes - Test-tube results show that peppermint may aid in lowering blood sugar and may prove helpful to mild or pre-diabetic patients. This comes with a word of warning. When combined with medication, it may result in Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Blood Pressure - Results are similar to those of blood sugar and the same cautions apply.

It would be remiss if we failed to mention some concerns in health care of peppermint oils and extracts. Some of these include the following:

• Peppermint can make gallstones worse.
• Large doses of peppermint oil can be fatal and any amount used on the hands or face of an infant or toddler can cause breathing spasms that may result in death.
• While likely safe to use, no definitive studies have been done of peppermint's effect on pregnancy.
• Lastly, NEVER take peppermint with an immunosuppressant.

As with all herbs, there can be unforeseen side effects or interactions with other supplements or medications and any regular use should be discussed with your health care provider.

Lots of people grow mint out in the garden and for those who know just how vigorous this herb plant is, then it's no surprise to learn that it thrives easily in a potted environment just as well. In fact, not only can it grow happily in the garden and in pots, but growing mint indoors can also be achieved.

How to Grow Mint Indoors

Growing and planting mint indoors is easy. You can find mint growing indoors in a pot of soil or even in a bottle of water. For starters, you need a container with adequate drainage for healthy plant growth. Pot up your mint plant with a good potting mix, either a regular commercial type or one with equal amounts of sand, peat, and perlite mixed in. Water the mint plant well after planting and place it in an area with indirect light, preferably an east-facing window during spring and summer or a west or south-facing one in fall and winter. You'll also want to locate your mint plant in an area with an indoor temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees F. (18-21 C.) during the day and 55 to 60 degrees F. (13-15 C.) at night. If you wish to grow mint plants in water, simply take tip cuttings of about 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm.) in length from an established mint plant. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cuttings in a water-filled glass or bottle. Set this in a sunny window with at least four to six hours of light each day.

Care for Mint Growing Indoors

When growing mint inside, there are a few things necessary for its continual care. One is watering. These plants prefer to be kept moist but not overly wet. If the upper part of soil becomes dry to the touch, then watering is needed. Otherwise, try to keep it evenly moist. Humidity is another important factor, so mist the plant between watering or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles. In addition, you should rotate the plant every three to four days or so to maintain a more even appearance, as plants tend to bend towards the light, becoming somewhat lopsided. If desired, you can move your mint outdoors for summer too. While fertilizing isn't a must with this plant, you can give it an occasional dose of all-purpose, water soluble fertilizer or fish emulsion. Mix the fertilizer at half strength. Don't over fertilize, as this can cause the herb to lose its flavor.

While its aggressive nature and reputation for taking over the garden is well deserved, growing mint plants can be a rewarding experience if it's kept under control. Let's look at how to grow mint.

Mint Plants: Herbs Worth Growing

Numerous mint varieties exist, and all are worth growing in the garden. While they're most often used for flavoring dishes or as garnishes, many types of mint are also grown for their unique aromas. Some of the most commonly grown mint plants include:

• spearmint
• peppermint
• pennyroyal
• apple mint
• orange mint
• pineapple mint
• chocolate mint

Growing Mint from Seed or Root Cuttings

All mint varieties except peppermint can be grown from seed. Peppermint does not produce seeds; therefore, this type must only be propagated by taking root cuttings from established plants. All types of mint, however, can be grown by this means.

In fact, taking a cutting is one of the easiest methods for growing mint. Simply pull or snip off a rooted piece of mint growing from the parent plant. Pot it up and water. Large clumps can also be dug up and divided into smaller plants.

How to Grow Mint Plants

One of the best ways to grow mint in the garden without the threat of rampant spreading is by using containers. Merely sink them into the soil leaving the top sticking out about an inch (2.5 cm.) or so. You may also want to keep the containers spaced at least a foot or two (31-61 cm.) apart to prevent various types from cross-pollinating.

Although most varieties of mint are easy to grow in various settings, these plants thrive best when located in organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade is also acceptable for growing mint. Mint leaves can be harvested for use in the kitchen once plants have begun to flower.

Learn How One Garden Is Growing Mint For Good

Problems Affecting Mint Plants

While growing mint usually presents few problems other than aggressive spreading on the part of the plant itself, pests can occasionally affect mint plants. Some of the most common include aphids, spider mites, cutworms, and mint root borers. Mint can also be susceptible to diseases such as mint rust, verticillium wilt, and anthracnose.

Now that you know how to grow mint in your garden, you can grow this versatile herb in your garden.

While there are a number of uses for mint plants, invasive varieties, of which there are many, can quickly take over the garden. This is why controlling mint is vital; otherwise, you may be left scratching your head and wondering how to kill mint plants without going crazy in the process.

Controlling Mint Plants

Even with the less aggressive varieties, controlling mint in the garden is important. Other than placing barriers deep in the ground to prevent their runners from spreading, growing mint in containers is probably the best way to keep these plants under control.

Plant mint plants in bottomless containers that are sunk deep into the ground, or grow them in large containers above ground. When sinking them into the ground, try to keep the container's rim at least an inch (2.5 cm.) or so above the soil. This should help keep the plant from spilling out into the rest of the garden.

How to Kill Mint Plants

Even under the best of situations, mint can become uncontrollable, wreaking havoc in the garden and driving gardeners to the edge. No garden lover enjoys killing plants, even mint. Invasive plants, however, oftentimes make this task a necessary evil. While it's difficult to kill mint, it is possible, but keep in mind that "patience is a virtue."

Of course, digging up plants (and even giving them away) is always an option, BUT even when digging, if just one piece of the plant is left behind, it can oftentimes root itself and the whole process starts again. So if you choose this route, be sure to check and recheck the area for any remaining runners or plant debris that may have been missed.

There are several ways to kill mint without the use of harmful chemicals, which should always be a last resort. Many people have had luck using boiling water to kill mint. Others swear by using a homemade mixture of salt, dish soap and white vinegar (2 cups salt, 1 teaspoon soap, 1 gallon vinegar). Both methods will require frequent applications onto the mint over some time in order to kill it. Be aware that these methods will kill any vegetation that it comes in contact with.

If you still have problems, try covering the mint with thick layers of newspaper, followed by a layer of mulch to smother it. Those plants that still manage to find a way through can usually be pulled up easily.

When all else fails, you can grab the herbicide. If you don't feel comfortable using chemicals to kill mint, your only option may be to get a good shovel and dig it all up. Be sure to get under the plant's main root system, then bag it up and dispose of it or relocate the mint in a suitable container.

Mint is well known for getting out of hand in the garden. Controlling mint through container gardening often helps; however, you may have to consider other tactics to kill mint if this plant becomes unruly.

Note: Any recommendations pertaining to the use of chemicals are for informational purposes only. Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.