From my perspective as a mint plant (Mentha spp.), I am a hardy perennial with a simple request: consistent moisture. My roots are shallow and spreading, and they thirst easily. I desire a location where the soil remains cool and damp, but never waterlogged. Well-draining soil is a must to prevent my roots from rotting. While I can tolerate a range of light conditions, I truly flourish in a spot with partial sunlight. A few hours of direct morning sun followed by dappled afternoon shade is perfect. This keeps my leaves from scorching while providing enough energy for me to produce the aromatic oils you love so much.
This is the most crucial advice you must heed. I am a vigorous, even aggressive, grower. My root system consists of relentless runners called rhizomes that spread horizontally underground in all directions. If you plant me directly into your open garden bed, I will quickly escape my designated area and compete with, and likely overwhelm, my neighboring plant companions. For the harmony of your garden, I insist on being planted in a container. A pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep is suitable, or you can sink a bottomless container (like a large pot or bucket) at least 12-14 inches deep into the soil to act as a barrier that my rhizomes cannot easily bypass.
You can start my life in your garden from a seed, but it is far easier to begin with a small piece of me. A stem cutting from a healthy mint plant, placed in water until it grows roots, is all you need. Once my new roots are about an inch long, I am ready for soil. Gently place me in the container you have prepared, ensuring the top of my root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in around me with a quality potting mix, press the soil down firmly to eliminate air pockets, and give me a thorough, deep drink of water to help me settle into my new home.
My care is straightforward. Please check my soil moisture frequently; the top inch should never dry out completely. A layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded bark, around my base will help conserve that precious moisture and keep my roots cool. To encourage me to become bushy and full, rather than long and leggy, regularly pinch off my growing tips. This is called harvesting! The more you harvest my leaves, the more I will grow. I do not require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced, organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is more than sufficient for my needs.
