Container Plant Information: Mint

How To Grow

1. Choose a Container: Select a container that is 8-10 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
2. Select Mint Plants or Cuttings: Mint can be grown from either nursery plants or cuttings. If using cuttings, ensure they have at least 3-4 inches of stem with several leaves.
3. Prepare the Container: Fill the container with well-draining potting soil. Mint prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
4. Plant Mint: If using nursery plants, plant them at the same depth as they were in their nursery containers. If using cuttings, plant them in the soil, burying the stem up to the lowest set of leaves.
5. Water the Soil: Give the soil a thorough watering after planting to settle it around the roots. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Provide Partial Shade: Mint prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates. Place the container in a location where it will receive about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
7. Fertilize Sparingly: Mint doesn’t require heavy feeding. You can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
8. Mulch the Soil: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, around the mint plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
9. Harvest Regularly: Harvest mint leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. You can use the leaves fresh or dry them for later use.
10. Watch for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites, and treat them promptly if necessary. Mint is generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

Check out our detailed guide to grow mint in a container.