Hello! I am a mint plant, and I’d be delighted to grow on your windowsill. First, you must find me a suitable home. I need a pot that is wide rather than deep, as my roots like to stretch out horizontally. Most importantly, my new home must have excellent drainage. Please ensure there are holes at the bottom of the pot. I despise having my roots sit in stagnant water; it makes me sick and can cause them to rot. A layer of pebbles or broken pottery shards at the bottom of the pot beneath the soil will help keep my feet dry and happy.
I am not a picky eater, but I do appreciate good, well-draining soil. A standard, high-quality potting mix is perfect for me. It provides the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. You can mix in a little perlite or coarse sand to improve the texture. While I enjoy nutrients, I don't need overly rich soil. A light feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during my main growing season (spring and summer) is more than enough. Too much food will make me grow too fast and weaken my lovely scent.
I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I am not a water lily! The best way to check if I need a drink is to feel the top inch of soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water me thoroughly until you see water trickle out of the drainage holes. Please empty the saucer underneath shortly after so I’m not left in a puddle. In the warmer, sunnier months, I will get thirsty more often. In winter, I will need much less water. Overwatering is the quickest way to make me unhappy.
I absolutely love the sun! For me to grow full and bushy with the most flavorful leaves, I need a good amount of bright, direct light. A south-facing windowsill is my idea of paradise. I need at least four to six hours of strong sunlight each day. If I don’t get enough light, I will become leggy, with long, weak stems and small leaves as I desperately stretch toward any light source. If your window doesn't provide enough sun, you can supplement with a grow light placed a few inches above me for part of the day.
Don’t be shy about harvesting my leaves—I actually love it! Regularly pinching off my tips or harvesting sprigs encourages me to become bushier and fuller, preventing me from becoming tall and spindly. Always pinch or cut just above a set of leaves (a node), as this is where new growth will emerge. Please harvest me in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the midday sun, as this is when my essential oils are most concentrated and my flavor is at its peak. Enjoy my fresh leaves in your tea, cocktails, or dishes!
