Grow mint in containers of rich well draining soil amended with 1 3 organic matter such as aged compost.
Growing mint outdoors.
That said mint isn t picky.
Avoid a very heavy soil make sure that the soil is well dug and if it is heavy then mix in some bark chippings or pea gravel.
Water container grown mint whenever the top inch 2 5 cm of potting mix feels dry to the touch.
How to grow mint plants outdoors plant mint in full sun or part shade.
Mints will grow readily in sun or part shade and some types even survive in shade though they may become leggy.
If you re growing potted mint plants outdoors check the pot daily during hot dry weather.
Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall.
Plant mint in spring after the last frost.
Look for swollen stems with orange spots on the leaves.
Strawberry pots can be great for this in which you can plant a different mint in each pocket.
Growing mint in pots outdoors pots that measure 8 inches or more in diameter and are 10 to 12 inches deep provide sufficient room for a mint plant.
Photo by lorna kring.
Growing mint likes well drained nutrient rich moist soil with a ph between 5 6 and 7 5.
Pinch the tips of mint regularly to promote bushier fuller growth.
For growing outdoors plant one or two purchased plants or one or two cuttings from a friend about 2 feet apart in moist soil.
One or two plants will easily cover the ground.
Keep the area around mint free of weeds.
You can grow an entire pot full of different varieties of mint.
Some of my favorites to grow in containers are ginger mint pineapple mint chocolate mint orange mint and apple mint because they are all low growing plants.
Plants thrive in zones 3 11 depending on the variety.
Beg a runner from a friend or buy a small plant in the spring once the risk of frost has passed.
Check plants regularly for mint rust.
Dig up the plant and bin it.
Quick guide to growing mint.
It can adapt to just about any type of soil but develops the best foliage in moist well drained soil that has been enriched with compost.
Space mint plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Where to plant mint.
You can add 1 3 landscape sand to improve drainage if needed.
Otherwise the mint.
This fast growing herb can grow just about anywhere and makes an excellent addition to indoor and outdoor gardens.
Otherwise it looks untidy and the weeds may reduce yields and affect flavor.