How to Care for Mint Plants

Mint Care Essentials

Mint family plants grow fast, produce aromatic leaves for kitchen. Hardy to -20°F, grow throughout U.S. Invasive if uncontrolled. Gardeners value flavor, garnish, and attractive form. Flowering reduces leaf flavor—prevent blooms for best taste. Containers limit spread.

Care Steps

Step 1: Site and Soil

6–8 hours direct sun. Spread 4-inch aged manure, till in for drainage/fertility.

Step 2: Contain Roots

Plant in container with prepared soil. Bury pot in ground (rim 1+ inch below surface) to confine roots and stop invasion.

Step 3: Water

Weekly soak to 1–2 inches depth. Winter (dormant): every 10 days.

Step 4: Fertilize

Early spring, once yearly. Slow-release 16-16-16 NPK at 1 tsp/plant. Follow label.

Step 5: Harvest

Active season. Pinch leaves as needed, but never >50% foliage in a week or plant struggles to recover.

Step 6: Prune

Twice yearly: late spring and mid-summer. Cut to ~6 inches for compact, healthy habit. Harvest desired leaves first.