Mint to be alone

Photo by Eleanor Chen on Unsplash

If you’ve ever planted mint directly in a garden bed, you probably learned the hard way that it does not like to share space. Mint is one of those plants that will happily take over an entire area if given the chance. It spreads through underground runners—called rhizomes—that send up new shoots all over the place. What starts as a nice little herb patch quickly turns into a mint jungle, crowding out anything in its path.

That’s why mint does best when planted on its own. The easiest way to grow it is in a container, where those sneaky roots can’t escape and take over your yard. If you really want to plant it in the ground, try sinking a pot into the soil to help contain it. Otherwise, be ready for frequent trimming to keep it in check.

How to Keep Your Mint Happy

Mint isn’t a fussy plant, but it does have a few preferences. It likes rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture—think damp but not soggy. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, so pick a spot that gets at least a few hours of good light each day.

One of the best things you can do for your mint is to trim it often. Regular harvesting encourages it to grow fuller and bushier instead of tall and scraggly. Plus, cutting it back before it flowers keeps the leaves tasting their best. Every couple of years, it’s a good idea to divide and replant your mint to keep it from getting too woody or root-bound.

Fertilizing

Mint is a hardy plant that doesn’t require much fertilizer, but a little boost now and then can help it grow lush and flavorful. Since mint grows so vigorously on its own, over-fertilizing can actually cause it to become too leggy, with lots of stems but fewer flavorful leaves.

If your mint is in a container, occasional feeding is helpful because nutrients in potted soil can get depleted over time. A light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula) once a month during the growing season is usually enough. You can also use an organic option like compost or diluted fish emulsion for a gentler approach.

For mint growing in the ground, fertilizer isn’t usually necessary unless the soil is particularly poor. Instead, top-dressing with compost or aged manure in the spring can give it the nutrients it needs. Since mint loves moisture, mulching around the base of the plant can also help retain water and add slow-release nutrients.

The key is moderation—too much fertilizer can make the plant grow faster, but it may lose some of its strong aroma and flavor. A well-fed, well-watered mint plant will keep producing fresh leaves all season long without getting out of control.

And if you love fresh mint year-round, try growing a pot indoors! As long as it gets enough light and water, it’ll keep producing fragrant leaves for tea, cocktails, and cooking—without turning your garden into a mint takeover zone.