Summary
What is mint and what are its benefits? Mint planting: how to grow mint quickly? Where to plant mint, in the shade or in the sun? How to cut and prune mint leaves?
We use it so much that it would be interesting to plant it at home, right? So, as soon as necessary, you will only have to bend down to pick a few fresh twigs! How to proceed? It’s very simple! Just find the right place and follow a few small guidelines!
What is mint and what are its benefits?
Mint is an ornamental plant and condiment with many properties and benefits! Composed of menthol, it is also rich in Vitamin C and minerals, including iron and magnesium. Invigorating, astringent, anti-inflammatory, healing and antioxidant, mint is just great! Great for our skin, for our hair, for our digestive system, for our breath and of course for our Virgin mojito!
And if we show you today how to plant it at home, it is because it is very useful to have it available! Indeed, mint, in addition to facilitating digestion and getting rid of your bad mouth odor, has antibacterial qualities and also affects the respiratory system.
So grow it in pots or in your garden following our directions!
Mint planting: how to grow mint quickly?
As we already told you above, planting mint is child’s play. Find just the perfect place for your planting and it will be good! How should this place be? Rich in nutrients of course! This is where mint clings, blossoms and grows healthy!
Mint varieties
Before you start planting, know that there is a variety of mint, including spearmint, water mint, peppermint, pennymint, field mint, round leaf mint ….. It’s up to you to choose which one you want to see bloom in your garden!
Potted mint
If you want to plant mint plants in pots to place on your balcony or windowsill, here’s what you need:
- Take a vase of at least 45 cm;
- Take your cutting, put it in water, and wait a few weeks for roots to form on the stem;
- Then plant it in the ground in a pot;
- Don’t forget to choose a nutrient-rich soil to get a good result!
Mint in the garden
If, on the other hand, you have a garden and you have room for a new plant! This is the perfect opportunity!
- Choose a sufficiently large corner;
- Enrich your soil;
- Proceed to planting from seeds or cuttings.
When to plant mint in open ground?
For your mint to bloom and give you a good harvest, we advise you to always plant it in spring, when temperatures are warmer.
Mint care
So now that you have your mint pot or your small plantation in the garden, you will have to be patient before seeing your plant germinate! Remember to always keep the soil moist! Young plants can quickly dry and die! And then feed your mint to the max using fertilizers to stimulate its growth! You can opt for natural fertilizers like vegetable cooking water, coffee grounds, eggshells or milk. And small important point: cover your plants with canvases on cold and rainy days if they are outdoors.
Where to plant mint, in the shade or in the sun?
Resistant to cold and heat, mint is a leathery plant and very little capricious. However, it prefers to be planted in partial shade. The soleit is to be avoided! It will earn it growth and increase its water needs! And God knows how much mint loves to drink!
But if you have no choice and your plant is exposed in full sun, do not panic! Mint can resist it! However, make sure the soil is always cool.
How to cut and prune mint leaves?
It’s okay, after some effort and a little love and care, your harvest is ready to be pruned! Are you proud of yourself and looking forward to using your mint in the kitchen? You’re right, because you’re in for a treat! We explain how to proceed so as not to damage your plants and be able to make your harvest prosper as long as possible!
- Prune the plant regularly. Mint matures after about 3 months. Harvesting can begin as soon as the plants measure between 8 and 10 cm;
- Pick the mint in the morning before the sun spoils the aromatic quality of the foliage;
- Aim at the top of the plant with sharp scissors;
- Choose the larger leaves by cutting the entire stem. This promotes the birth of new shoots.
If you regularly prune your mint, it will become bushier and tougher. In addition, it will allow you to always have fresh leaves on hand for your different uses!
Here is a more detailed explanatory video to grow mint at home.
So, now that we’ve done the rounds! Who is up for a tea?
