All About Mint

Let’s discuss a few benefits of growing mint, some tips on how to grow it, how to harvest it, and some culinary uses for your harvest.

All About Mint

• Mint is fast and easy to grow. Mint is a tough and resilient plant that is relatively easy to grow and care for and is a great choice for all gardeners.
• It's wonderfully aromatic. Mint has an invigorating aroma that can be used to freshen up your home or garden. Just brush it with your hand as you stroll through the garden, you’ll release its wonderful scent into the air and some of its fragrant oils will stay on your hand!
• It has many culinary uses. Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of culinary applications, such as teas, salads, cocktails, and desserts.
• It has medicinal properties. Mint has been used for centuries to aid a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, nausea, headaches, and respiratory issues.
• It might repel certain pests.

However, it's important to note that mint can be invasive and spread quickly, so it's recommended that you grow it in a container or designated area to prevent it from taking over your garden.

The Vego Garden herb beds are a perfect solution to having an abundant supply of organic mint for your home garden while preventing it from spreading out of control. 

We have four of the herb garden beds and plan to fill them with a variety of plants from the mint family like catnip, lemon balm and spearmint. 

This one is planted to chocolate mint:

Here are some tips for growing mint:

• Choose a suitable location: Mint prefers a cool, moist, partially shaded area with well-draining soil. Will grow in full sun as well. 
• It's a good idea to grow mint in a container to prevent it from spreading and taking over your garden.
• Prepare the soil: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and texture. If you have other amendments like worm castings or a granular organic fertilizer, add them now and mix into the soil.
• Mint is highly variable from seed. Find specific cultivars from a nursery or other reputable source. One plant of each cultivar is plenty.
• Plant the mint: Make an appropriately sized hole and place the seedling or stem cutting in it, then cover with soil and gently tamp down. Water it in well as a final step.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch like straw, leaves or wood chips around the mint plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water regularly: Mint requires consistent moisture to thrive, so water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering though, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilize: Mint doesn't require heavy fertilization, but it will appreciate a dose of organic fertilizer once or twice a season. 
• Control pests and diseases organically: Monitor your mint plant for signs of pests like aphids or spider mites, and use organic methods like handpicking, safer soap or neem oil to control them. Be weary of using most organic pesticides when plants are blooming to avoid harming pollinators. Also don’t harvest after an application of these compounds. If you're looking for a way to deter unwanted visitors, check out our Cover System.

To harvest and store mint:

• Harvest in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets intense. This ensures you harvest when the oils are most concentrated.
• Use sharp and clean tools.
• Snip leaves or sprigs as needed. 
• To harvest a large amount, cut stems within an inch or two above the ground. Use our Hori Hori Knife Kit for an excellent cut.
• It will regrow for successive harvests.
• For short term storage, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• For long term storage, hang mint in loose bunches in a room with good airflow and low humidity to air dry. Or use a dehydrator on low heat setting (95-100 degrees F) or freeze in bags. 

Some culinary uses for mint: 

• Mint tea: Simply steep fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water for a refreshing and soothing tea that has been used for centuries to soothe an upset stomach.
• Mint leaves: add chopped mint leaves to salads, rice, lamb or cooked vegetables.
• Mint pesto: Add fresh mint leaves to traditional pesto for a unique and flavorful twist.
• Mint sauce: Mix finely chopped mint leaves with vinegar, sugar, and salt for a tangy and sweet sauce that pairs well with lamb dishes.
• Mint-infused water: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to your water for a refreshing and hydrating beverage.
• Mint ice cream: Mix chopped fresh mint leaves into vanilla ice cream for a cool and refreshing dessert.

We hope this helps you grow an abundance of organic mint for your home. Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments!