How to grow mint in the garden. Learn about sun requirements, when to plant and harvest, pests and troubleshooting tips.

Soil

What soil is good for Mint?

Moisture retentive soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Position

How much sun does Mint need?

Full to partial sun

Frost Tolerant

Is Mint frost tolerant?

Tolerates light frost, otherwise will die back and re-shoot in spring. 

Spacing

How much space does Mint need?

Roughly 30cm apart, although 1 plant is generally enough as Mint spreads very easily. 

Planting

When should I plant Mint?

Autumn or early spring is the best time to transplant, however can be planted at anytime if protected from harsh weather conditions.

If transplanting a seedling, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn. 

Feeding

What do I feed Mint?

 Not a heavy feeder, a light application of organic fertiliser throughout the season is sufficient. 

Harvesting

When can I harvest Mint?

Harvest sprigs as needed by cutting or pinching off the tops of the stems. You can harvest upto  ⅓ of the length of the stem at one time. Both the leaves and flowers are edible. Harvesting regularly will delay flowering and keep the plants producing fresh new growth. 

Pests

What pests does Mint get?

Spider Mites, Thrips, Aphids, Cutworms, Snails, Slugs  

Diseases

What diseases does Mint get?

Mint Rust 

Troubleshooting

How do I troubleshoot my growing problems?

Mint can be extremely invasive, it's best to keep it contained in a large pot or a small garden bed.