How to Grow Mint in Pots: A Complete Guide

Knowing how to grow mint in pots addresses the primary issue with this herb, which can spread rapidly through underground runners. It takes over garden spots and inhibits the growth of other plants. Containers contain all of that chaos. You keep your garden safe and get to enjoy fresh mint.

Container mint grows beautifully right outside your kitchen! Consider grabbing a handful of leaves when cooking dinner. This is why urban gardeners use this space-saving option. Tiny balconies or window sills can become herb gardens, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting food that's always within arm's reach, every season.

This guide gives you an introduction to growing mint in a simple container. We discuss pot prep fundamentals first. Then, onto daily care, like watering and light, and finally harvesting, which keeps your mint thriving. You have steady mint growth - with very little work.

The type of container you choose will directly influence the overall health of the mint. Terracotta containers breathe very well, but dry out the soil quickly. Plastic will retain moisture for longer, but it may also cause root rot. Ceramic pots are the most beautiful and allow for evaporation of moisture at an intermediate rate. Each material needs to have drainage holes with no exceptions if you wish to prevent root rot.

Don't underestimate the size of the mint's pot. Choose a container that is at least a 12-inch diameter. Mint's roots extend horizontally and require adequate space to grow. Small pots limit root growth, causing stress to the plant. I have seen badly stunted plants recover immediately after being put in their proper pot size.

Elevating pots on feet or stands improves airflow under the containers, allowing water to drain freely after heavy rains. Standing water can promote fungal diseases. My balcony mint wasn't doing too well and thrived, until I elevated the pots off the surface. One small adjustment can eliminate many problems.

Align container depths with varieties of mint. Spearmint generally requires a deeper soil depth than peppermint. Ensure you check the heights of mature plant varieties before making any decisions. Choose wisely, as your growing system will likely last for a few years. Containers become the bases of healthy plants.

A good mint starts with the right soil mix. A good blend is two parts peat moss to one part perlite for optimum drainage. I also added a bit of compost, just a handful, for added nutrients. This mixture allows for good drainage, eliminating wet and soggy soil, while still retaining moisture. Avoid heavy garden soil because roots will struggle to breathe.

Test the soil pH before planting mint. Hope for a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, using simple test kits. Mint is slightly acid-tolerant but will not grow in alkaline conditions, so lime should be used if necessary. I test my soil every spring because the pH will change over time.

Start with nursery plants instead of seeds. Established plants will establish quickly and have greater survival rates. Seeds can take weeks to germinate, and do so inconsistently. When transplanting, very lightly break apart the root balls of the plants (optional). Lightly breaking apart the root balls will facilitate the roots growing into the new soil.

Add slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting. These granules will nourish plants gradually over several months. I prefer organic fertilizers, such as fish meal, and apply them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use cautiously, as overapplication can burn the roots and alter the delicate flavor of mint.

Plant mint to the same height it was growing in nursery pots. After planting, water thoroughly to settle soil material. Leave containers in partial shade for two days to reduce transplant shock. After that, you may move plants to their permanent sunny location.

Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry when you feel it with your hand. This will help prevent underwatering or root rot. For hot sunny spots, make daily checks, while shaded areas dry out more slowly. You should always deep water until water drains from the bottom.

Morning sunshine is the best for mint plants. Look for 6 hours of direct sun before noon. Afternoon shade can protect the leaves during the hottest parts of the day, especially when the temperature is extremely high. Additionally, my potted mint thrives with this arrangement. You can tell how much they increase their oil production by smelling it in the leaves you harvest.

Temperature has a big impact on watering frequency. Hot summer temperatures will evaporate moisture fairly quickly, requiring attention often. Cooler weather will allow the soil to remain moist for longer periods. Use seasonal changes to adjust your routine. I water more in the spring than in the high summer months.

Plants that receive shade indoors actually require less water than plants exposed to full sun. Ensure you inspect each type of plant in various ways. Container plants in full sun dry out quickly. Container pots in partial shade hold moisture significantly longer. Be aware of your plant's location and adjust its watering needs accordingly based on its specific environment.

Regular pruning promotes compact and productive mint. Pinch the tips of the stems weekly just above the leaf nodes, to encourage bushy growth. For seasonal maintenance, prune back leggy plants in early spring to promote new growth of foliage. I use scissors to avoid crushing the stems. I like to do this to promote new, attractive, and flavorful foliage for the season ahead.

Refresh mint as needed by clipping stems to 1 inch above the soil. Do this when the plant becomes woody or has thinned out. New growth will emerge in 7-10 days when the weather is warm. After a haircut as severe as this, thoroughly rinse with water. Mint comes back better.

Consistently sanitize all tools between plants to prevent disease transmission. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the blades after every cut. I like to keep a small bottle near my gardening supplies. This will prevent fungi and bacteria from infecting the recently cut plant. Clean tools will save the rest of your herb collection.

After pruning, your plants will begin to show growth within days, provided the conditions are conducive. Mint typically responds the quickest when it is warm and sunny. As temperatures cool, growth will slow. During the winter months, it just takes more patience. Healthy plants always respond when given proper care.

Harvest mint in the morning when essential oil content is highest. Low temperatures help to keep volatile flavor compounds. I typically gather leaves until before 10 AM to maximize flavor. Harvesting at this time yields tea and food with the most intense aroma. Mint oils will have a lower concentration after a storm, as they have been diluted by water.

To follow the one-third rule for practicing sustainable harvesting, you should harvest no more than ⅓ of the total foliage in one go. Leave plenty of leaves for photosynthesis and recovery time. I indicated sections harvested with plant tags. Rotate areas weekly to give time for regrowth. Beyond that, these plants can provide you with a bounty for years to come.

To store stems for fresh use, place them in water as you would cut flowers. Loosely cover stems with plastic and place in the refrigerator. If frozen, mint can hold its flavor for months. Chop leaves into an ice tray and fill with water. When frozen, these can be added directly to sauces or drinks.

Drying techniques will impact flavor retention in different ways. Air-drying can preserve approximately 70% of the oils in a dark environment. Low-temperature dehydrators maintain a little less, but they are faster. I nondiscriminately hang bundles of herbs upside down in my pantry. I also reserve crumbled leaves in jars for winter use.

Having mint positioned in pots provides a ready supply at your whim. It is an incredibly space-efficient herb for small balconies or windowsills. Care is basic, consisting of watering and occasional trimming. You can access the fragrant leaves at any time you need them for cooking.

Keep in mind three critical success factors to prosper. Have good drainage in your containers. Get a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. Harvest moderately, applying the one-third rule. These three concepts can support sustainable growth year by year.

If you are a beginner, it's best to start with only one or two pots. I started with one peppermint plant. You can see that's how fast your confidence will grow. Before you know it, you are trying multiple varieties of mint - how fun this can be, and how good they will taste.

Embrace simple potted mint. Cut leaves for morning tea and use them for meals at night. Share cuttings with any gardening friends you may have. This easy herb gardening brings so much joy to daily living. Your mint experience starts with one small pot today!