Growing mint is a hardy perennial, reproduced from roots or runners

This page listed under Growing Herbs

The botanical name of the growing mint dates back to Greek mythology. Mint was one of the favorite and most fragrant garden herbs strewn lavishly around banquet halls in ancient Rome and Greece.

The valued distilled oil from its aromatic leaves was named as a tithe for Christians along with anise and cumin seed.

By the beginning of the 14th century, growing mint was used to season foods. As with other seasonings introduced by the Romans, the herb found its way to the four corners of the earth.

Peppermint and spearmint are two widely grown varieties of the mint family.

Growing Mint Herb

Growing mint is a hardy perennial, reproduced from roots or runners. Depending on the variety, mints will grow up to two feet tall.

Beside the most popular listed above, other types of mint herbs include, apple, woolly, curly, orange, black, and white.

Peppermint and spearmint are easily propagated by cuttings or divisions. Simply take a few stems with good roots and reset the herbs in a moist, rich, well-drained garden bed. When grow mint garden mint provide it with plenty of shade.

In the western US, planting mint herbs usually begins in early March. Plant mint after all danger of frost has past. The ground should be reasonably warm and not too wet. Lay the runners in furrows three feet apart and four inches deep.

If young plants are to be transplanted, set out in late May or June in temperate zones. The transplants should be planted a foot apart in rows spaced three feet. Growing mint requires frequent cultivation. Keep the site free of weeds at all times.

To avoid overcrowding in the herb bed, thin the mint by pulling out the stems. Prevent spearmint from spreading quickly, which it is known to do, by surrounding the roots with metal strips inserted into the ground. Spearmint also grows well in a pot or indoor window box.

The mint plant which spreads by runners and seeds can grow twenty feet underground to pop up anywhere unexpectedly in the garden. As an added precaution, the herb can be planted inside buckets or large pots initially. Remove the bottom of the container and embed into the ground.

Harvesting Mint

As the mint plant prospers, the tiny fresh leaves and springs may be picked and used as needed. Cutting the herb at intervals helps its healthy growth.

To dry the mint, cut the leaves and flowering tips before they go to seed, otherwise the plant might die. Place herb on tray in a warm dry shady place. When dried thoroughly, strip leaves and flowers from stems. Store in airtight containers.

Mint Uses

For centuries, mint infusions have been used for relieving head and chest congestion. In using herbal medicine, rubbing a few drops of mint oil or massaging the temples with mint leaves can ease a tension headache.

Mint is also a good mental stimulant similar to caffeine without the jittery side effects. Spearmint is said to curb your appetite if taken before a meal.

Oil of growing mint has a wide variety of uses including in medicines, perfumes, toothpastes, and chewing gums. Apple mint, orange mint, peppermint, and spearmint are added to fruit drinks, juleps, iced teas, vinegars, jellies, soups, sauces, vegetables, meats, fish, salads, and desserts.

Tender mint leaves may be used whole, freshly minced, or dried. Many liqueurs owe their distinctive character to the flavor of mints such as peppermint schnapps.

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