Growing Mint Outdoors

Mints will grow readily in sun or part shade and some types even survive in shade though they may become leggy.

Growing mint outdoors.

Some of my favorites to grow in containers are ginger mint pineapple mint chocolate mint orange mint and apple mint because they are all low growing plants. Look for swollen stems with orange spots on the leaves. Mint can tolerate a bit of dry soil but not long periods of drought. You can add 1 3 landscape sand to improve drainage if needed.

Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall. Grow mint in containers of rich well draining soil amended with 1 3 organic matter such as aged compost. You can grow an entire pot full of different varieties of mint. Water container grown mint whenever the top inch 2 5 cm of potting mix feels dry to the touch.

That said mint isn t picky. Beg a runner from a friend or buy a small plant in the spring once the risk of frost has passed. If you re growing potted mint plants outdoors check the pot daily during hot dry weather. This fast growing herb can grow just about anywhere and makes an excellent addition to indoor and outdoor gardens.

Where to plant mint. Keep the area around mint free of weeds. Growing mint in pots outdoors pots that measure 8 inches or more in diameter and are 10 to 12 inches deep provide sufficient room for a mint plant. Pinch the tips of mint regularly to promote bushier fuller growth.

Quick guide to growing mint. Mint rust remains in the soil for at least three years so don t plant other mints tarragon or chives in that spot after infection. Otherwise the mint. Space mint plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

Plants thrive in zones 3 11 depending on the variety. Strawberry pots can be great for this in which you can plant a different mint in each pocket. For growing outdoors plant one or two purchased plants or one or two cuttings from a friend about 2 feet apart in moist soil. Photo by lorna kring.

Check plants regularly for mint rust. Plant mint in spring after the last frost. It s best to grow them in pots to keep them from taking over your garden even if you re planting in the ground. Growing mint likes well drained nutrient rich moist soil with a ph between 5 6 and 7 5.

Otherwise it looks untidy and the weeds may reduce yields and affect flavor. It can adapt to just about any type of soil but develops the best foliage in moist well drained soil that has been enriched with compost. Avoid a very heavy soil make sure that the soil is well dug and if it is heavy then mix in some bark chippings or pea gravel.