From my perspective as a mint plant, my most fundamental need is not soil, but rather constant access to oxygen, water, and nutrients. In a hydroponic system, you provide this directly to my root system. I thrive in a neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. When the water's pH is outside this range, I cannot effectively absorb the nutrients you so kindly provide, no matter how rich your nutrient solution is. Please monitor this regularly. My roots also crave oxygen; they do not wish to drown. Systems that use an air stone and pump to bubble air into the water, like Deep Water Culture (DWC), are excellent because they keep my roots happily breathing while I drink.
I am a vigorously growing plant, and to support this growth, I require a balanced diet. A standard, balanced nutrient solution formulated for greens or herbs is perfect for me. I am not a heavy feeder like tomatoes, so please follow the solution's instructions carefully; too much can "burn" my sensitive roots. Alongside my liquid diet, I need ample light to perform photosynthesis. Provide me with 12 to 16 hours of bright, artificial light daily from a source like an LED or fluorescent grow light. This mimics the long days of summer, signaling to me that it is time to grow lush and full. Without enough light, I will become leggy and weak as I stretch out, searching for the sun.
You might think I dislike being pruned, but the opposite is true! Regular harvesting is the key to keeping me bushy, healthy, and productive. Please do not simply pluck my leaves from the top. Instead, use clean scissors to cut my stems about one-third of the way down, just above a set of leaves (a node). This encourages me to branch out at that point, creating two new stems where there was once one. This practice prevents me from becoming tall and spindly and promotes the dense, abundant growth you desire. The more you harvest in this way, the more I will grow for you.
It is in my nature to spread and expand. In a hydroponic system, this means my root mass will grow quickly and can potentially clog systems if not monitored. Be prepared for my enthusiastic growth. While I can be started from seed, I much prefer being propagated from a cutting of an existing mint plant. A small snippet placed in water will sprout roots in no time, ready for its new hydroponic home. This ensures you get the exact mint variety you love and is much faster than waiting for seeds to germinate. Give my roots room to grow, and I will reward you with a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
