Mint is a rapidly growing perennial herb.
It’s an essential cocktail herb, whether muddling it into a mojito or a mint julep! There’s also mint lemonade or iced tea, mint jelly, and many different cookies and cakes.
Mint can also be used with veal, lamb, or pork dishes. As a plant in the garden, there are many different varieties, some growing up to three feet tall.
How to grow. Mint prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Plant in rich, moist, slightly acidic soil with compost. Water regularly during the growing season; one early spring application of a slow-release fertilizer is enough.
Problems. The biggest issue with mint is its aggressive growth habits. Certain varieties can spread quickly in an open garden area and out-compete with other plants. Control your mint by burying plants in the ground inside a large container.
Be sure the container has drainage holes and leave the top of the container one to two inches above ground level. This will prevent shoots from escaping and control the spread.
Occasionally lift the container out and cut roots, escaping out the drainage holes.
Mint is a great container plant. Use at least a 10-inch-wide container with drainage holes. Mint prefers even moisture; so, don’t allow the container to dry out.
If you have a large container and want to mix your mint with other plants or other herbs, use a “container inside a container” to prevent the aggressive spread of the plant.
Pinching plants will prevent flowering and allow the plant to get bushier. Cutting flowers preserves essential oils and gives you the best flavor.
However, mint grows as an ornamental; flowers are beautiful and are pollinator magnets. For the best flavor, harvest it in the morning.
Bunches of mint can be kept in a glass of water for three to seven days, or you can store bunches in the refrigerator, dry and wrapped in plastic, for a week.
Spearmint is the most popular beverage mint. Chocolate mint has stunning dark-colored foliage with a pungent, refreshing chocolate flavor. Orange mint has a refreshing hint of citrus.
Pineapple mint with its lovely, variegated foliage is a beautiful plant. There are so many different varieties, some tall and some trailing, you can easily make an all-mint herb garden. Dress up your favorite beverage with mint flowers and leaves. Snip a few springs, rub them with your hands to release the flavor, and toss in your beverage.
Elevate your drinks, baked goods, or favorite dishes with mint.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name, and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, from 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext. 100.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Growing mint: What to do
Reporting by Rosanne Loparco / Observer-Dispatch
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