Seeds should be sticky until they germinate, and plants should be spaced 1 foot apart. It is easiest to grow from plants, but you can also sow seeds once the ground warms up in the spring. This might make them move to a different area on your property, but if you have a supply of mint like I do it shouldn't be a problem driving the little monsters out of the back forty.Spearmint grows best in partial shade with well-draining, rich, moist soil. This wasn't a scientific survey by any means, but if you're having problems with diggers in your lawn or garden and have a supply of mint it's worth a try before using chemicals or nasty traps. It was never removed and I haven't seen any more holes anywhere. This time instead of litter I crushed a few stalks of mint and shoved them down their doorway. More litter and the critters got the idea until this year. It seemed to work but a similar hole appeared about six feet away. Since it was right near where I got out when I parked, I didn't want to turn my ankle or provide an open invitation for additional holes so I decided to pour some used kitty litter (no poops included) down the hole and covered it over again. That worked for a day or two and then it reappeared. I kicked some gravel into the hole and tamped it down. I assumed it was a mole/vole or some such critter. Years ago a golf ball sized hole popped up overnight in my parking area. Any gardening friend will give you a cutting of a favorite mint. Start with a small cutting from an established plant. Mint stems will also root in a glass of water. It’s easy-take 6-inch cuttings of rooted stems and plant them horizontally in the soil. The best way to propagate mints is by taking cuttings from those that you like best. Store the dried leaves in an airtight container. If you want to dry them, it’s best to cut the leaves right before flowering. You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.You can also just pick the leaves as you need them.You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season. Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground.Although fresh is best ,and sprigs keep for a few days in water, mint leaves can be frozen or air-dried in bunches. Young leaves have more flavor than old ones, and mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up in spring. Frequent harvesting is the key to keeping mint plants at their best.In the garden, plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes-in pots, again, in order to prevent it from spreading and stealing nutrients from your crops!Ĭheck out this video to learn more about how to grow mint.If you are fine with mint becoming a ground cover and understand that it may become invasive, plant in its own raised bed or separate area.You can then sink this pot into the ground or another larger container of soil. We suggest each mint is planted in a 10-inch pot that has drainage holes. Whether it’s in the ground or above ground, plant mint in a pot. Mint is a vigorous grower and needs to be contained, or it will send out its runners and spread all over your garden.One or two plants will easily cover the ground. For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants (or one or two cuttings from a friend) about 2 feet apart in moist soil. Most will grow in sun or partial shade the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun.
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