Gardening | The Clear Weekly
About this activity
Mint is a green plant with leaves that have a fresh, pleasant smell.
It is easy to grow in a pot, even if you do not have a garden.
You can use the leaves in drinks, salads and cooking.
Time needed: About 15 minutes to plant
Difficulty: Easy
Space needed: A balcony, patio or outdoor space
What you need
-
1 small mint plant, such as spearmint
-
1 plant pot with holes underneath
-
1 small bag of potting mix (also called potting compost)
-
Water
Choose mint sold for cooking or eating. Not all types of mint are safe to eat.
Equipment
-
1 small gardening scoop or trowel
-
1 watering can
-
1 pair of gardening gloves (optional)
How to grow your mint
Step 1: Prepare the pot
Place your new pot on a steady surface.
Make sure it has holes underneath so extra water can escape.
Fill the pot about halfway with potting mix.
Step 2: Remove the mint plant
Gently squeeze the sides of the small pot containing your mint.
Carefully slide the plant out.
Try to keep the roots and soil together.
Step 3: Plant your mint
Place the mint in the centre of the new pot.
Add or remove some potting mix if needed.
The mint should sit at the same depth it was in its old pot.
Add more potting mix around the plant.
Gently press the soil around it.
Step 4: Give it water
Water the plant slowly until water begins to come out underneath the pot.
Let the extra water drain away.
Step 5: Find a good place
Put your mint somewhere that receives sunlight for part of the day.
In very hot weather, give it some afternoon shade.
Your mint is now planted!
How to care for your mint
-
Check the soil: Touch the soil with your finger. If the surface feels dry, give it some water.
-
Keep it moist: Mint likes damp soil, but it should not sit in water.
-
Pick some leaves: Once the plant is growing well, gently pick a few leaves when you need them.
-
Help it grow: Picking leaves regularly encourages the plant to produce more.
-
Watch it grow: Look for new leaves appearing on the stems.
What happens in winter?
In winter, your mint may die back to the soil.
This means the leaves and stems may disappear.
This is normal. Your mint can grow again in spring.
Helpful tips
-
Mint grows quickly and can spread. Keeping it in its own pot helps control it.
-
You can grow mint without a large garden.
-
If your mint becomes too big for its pot, you can move it into a larger one.
-
You can ask someone to help with lifting pots or carrying potting mix.
Enjoy your mint
Try adding a few clean mint leaves to a glass of cold water.
You can also gently rub a leaf between your fingers to enjoy its fresh smell.
Source: Royal Horticultural Society – How to Grow Mint
Article adapted and written by The Clear Weekly.