Easy to grow and boasting so many uses in the kitchen, mint is a herb that every garden should have.
Mint is a fast-growing, perennial herb that thrives in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun. Because it grows aggressively via underground runners, it is best planted in containers or bottomless pots sunk into the ground to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
Start planting your seeds in Spring and get ready to reap the lush, aromatic benefits. A little goes a long way when it comes to mint. This hardy herb, with its beautiful aroma and sweet flavour, adds a burst of freshness to cocktails, teas, smoothies, salads and baked goods. Not to mention, it is great in moreish desserts such as mint chocolate and ice-cream.
How to Plant and Grow Mint
If you’re new to growing herbs, mint is an excellent place to start – indeed, some say if you had to choose only one herb to cultivate, mint would be among the top choices. It is a great confidence boost for amateur gardeners. Mint grows vigorously in gardens or in pots, in sun or in shade. Additionally, it grows well whether it is grown from seeds or from cuttings.
Mint is a perennial herb, which means that once planted, you can enjoy its produce not just for one season but for many years to come. In fact, you’re far more likely to grow too much than not enough. However, some varieties grow more aggressively than others.
There are a few ways to curb mint’s enthusiasm. It can be contained by barriers such as raised garden beds with solid sides, or it can be grown in containers or pots to keep it from spreading. Moreover, mint likes moist, well-drained soil.
How to Harvest Mint
It is incredibly easy to pick and can be harvested not long after it pops out of the ground. Start by picking small sections and, if you can, harvest in the morning. The leaves are at their freshest and the essential oils are in full force then.
To harvest individual mint leaves, simply pinch them off at the stem. For larger cuttings, clip off the stems above a leaf node (where new leaves are coming out either side of the stem) and then strip off the leaves in your kitchen.
You can continue harvesting often throughout the growing season, and to store any mint for the winter, plan one last big harvest before the first frost.
How to Store Picked Mint Leaves
Fresh mint leaves can be put to use immediately, while stems will keep in a glass of water for three to five days. For longer-term storage, wrap the mint in a damp paper towel, put it in a plastic bag, and keep in the refrigerator. This should keep it fresh for about a week.
You can also make your own dried mint by tying long sprigs in bundles and hanging them upside down. When dry, pick the leaves and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Perfect companions for Mint
Carrots
Companion mint can not only improve the flavour of carrots, but its scent will discourage carrot fly.
Cabbage
Its flavour-enhancing and pest-deterring abilities benefit many veggies such as cabbage, eggplant and lettuce.
Tomato
Planting mint nearby can keep aphids and spider mites away from your prize tomatoes, and may also assist with their tasty flavour.
Try this Fruit Kebabs with Fresh Mint recipe.
