How to grow Mint
Mentha spp.
Unkillable — just keep it in a pot.
Mint grows so easily it becomes a thug — always grow it in a pot or a sunken container, or it will take over the bed by runners. Otherwise it asks for almost nothing.
Grow Mint with step-by-step help for your exact yard.
Start free in Seededly →Mint at a glance
| Sun | Sun / part shade |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Spacing | 12 in |
| Harvest | Pick anytime |
| Plant | Spring |
| Note | Contain it! |
How to grow Mint, step by step
Plant in a pot
- Grow in a container to stop runners from invading.
- Part shade and moist soil suit it well.
Water & cut back
- Keep the soil moist; mint likes it damp.
- Shear it back hard if it gets leggy — it bounces back.
Harvest often
- Pinch sprigs anytime; regular cutting keeps it bushy.
- Cut before flowering for the best flavor.
Mint problems & fixes
Mint — Taking over the garden: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Runners. Always grow it contained in a pot or sunken bucket.
Mint — Orange spots (rust): what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Cut affected stems; improve airflow; water at the base.
Mint — Leggy, sparse growth: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Shear it back hard and it regrows bushier.
Recommended mint varieties
- Spearmint — All-rounder. The classic culinary mint.
- Peppermint — Strong. Bolder, cooler - great for tea.
- Chocolate Mint — Fun. Hint of cocoa; kids love it.
Mint month-by-month
| January | Dormant. |
|---|---|
| February | Pot up divisions. |
| March | New shoots appear. |
| April | Strong spring growth. |
| May | Harvest freely. |
| June | Peak — cut and dry extra. |
| July | Shear leggy stems. |
| August | Flushes back. |
| September | Good fall growth. |
| October | Last big harvest. |
| November | Dies back. |
| December | Dormant. |