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Mint Growing Guide
Mints are perennial herbs with squared, four-sided stems with opposite leaves and small lipped flowers.
All parts of the plants are pungent. Aboveground, plants produce 2-to 3-foot upright stems. Most are
hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3–8, but check the species you want before you buy.
Growing Mint
All mints prefer a cool, moist spot in partial shade but will also grow in full sun. Mint is extremely variable
from seed. Instead, order plants from a reputable source, or visit a nursery to find plants whose flavor and
aroma appeal to you. One plant of each cultivar you select will soon provide more than enough mint for
home use—the big problem is to keep them from overrunning all neighboring plants. To avoid this, plant
bottomless containers that are at least 15 inches deep and sunk in the ground with one or two inches
protruding above the soil surface, or plant above the ground in tubs and barrels.
Harvesting
Snip leaves or sprigs as needed. To harvest in quantity, cut stems to within an inch or so above the
ground. You can make several harvests, depending on the length of the season. Hang mint in loose
bunches to air dry, dry individual leaves on a tray in a food dehydrator, or freeze in self-sealing bags.
Mint Growing Guide
Mints are perennial herbs with squared, four-sided stems with opposite leaves and small lipped flowers.
All parts of the plants are pungent. Aboveground, plants produce 2-to 3-foot upright stems. Most are
hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3–8, but check the species you want before you buy.
Growing Mint
All mints prefer a cool, moist spot in partial shade but will also grow in full sun. Mint is extremely variable
from seed. Instead, order plants from a reputable source, or visit a nursery to find plants whose flavor and
aroma appeal to you. One plant of each cultivar you select will soon provide more than enough mint for
home use—the big problem is to keep them from overrunning all neighboring plants. To avoid this, plant
bottomless containers that are at least 15 inches deep and sunk in the ground with one or two inches
protruding above the soil surface, or plant above the ground in tubs and barrels.
Harvesting
Snip leaves or sprigs as needed. To harvest in quantity, cut stems to within an inch or so above the
ground. You can make several harvests, depending on the length of the season. Hang mint in loose
bunches to air dry, dry individual leaves on a tray in a food dehydrator, or freeze in self-sealing bags.
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