How to Grow Mint - Don't Waste

A pot with a diameter between 40 and 65 centimeters is sufficient. With fresh soil, to be changed every two years, and good exposure to the sun. Growing the precious plants of the mint It's very easy: they're planted in spring, and the leaves (which can be dried) are harvested in summer. To grow mint, whose roots tend to expand year after year, choose a cool, humus-rich, sunny soil. A secret is to divide the roots in spring. It's a perennial plant about 40-60 cm tall, whose leaves are rich in properties important for our health and well-being. In fact, they contain menthol, an active ingredient with calming, disinfectant, diuretic, refreshing properties, very useful in case of gastrointestinal disorders,cough and can aid digestion. Therefore, it is perfect not only in cooking but also for preparing herbal teas. There are various variety of mint: among these the best known and most used is undoubtedly the Peppermint;, with a very intense and pleasant smell.

Index of topics

Variety

The most common mint species are the following:

la mint arvensis with a strong aroma, with a bitter aftertaste, also used as a medicinal plant, thanks to its intense antiseptic properties;
la green mint It is the most common mint in cooking, used for eggplant or for the mojito;
la spearmint It is very similar to this variety and can handle the heat better;
la longifolia mint it is a larger species, with an intense aroma and is also used in cooking;
finally the mint suaveolens it is also used for infusions and herbal teas.

Where should the mint plant be placed?

Easy to grow both in a pot on the balcony and in the garden, mint is a plant that adapts easily to all types of climates, both shady and sunny, as long as it is not too humid. Since the plant prefers soil rich in organic matter, it is best to replace the soil at least once every two years. Avoid clayey or heavy soils that do not allow proper growth. water drainageWhen it's very cold or during particularly rainy periods, also remember to cover the plant with a plastic sheet to prevent the leaves from getting wet and damaged.

Sowing and cutting

Mint is a long-lived plant whosesowing It should be done with the arrival of spring, although it is preferable to buy seedlings and then transplant them into pots or the garden. Mint also reproduces more easily because cutting of vegetative tips. These, at least 20-25 cm long, should be cut from the plant around March-April or in early autumn with sharp, well-disinfected scissors to avoid infecting the plant's tissues. The tips should then be placed in a glass of water or in soil to allow them to root. Subsequently, if you have chosen to grow the plant in a pot, as soon as the plant sprouts, it will be necessary to move it into the sun. As for sowing, after scattering the seeds, cover them with a thin layer of soil and water lightly to encourage germination. If you decide to grow the plant in a pot, choose a sufficiently large terracotta pot. the mint plant tends to expand as it grows and therefore needs space.

Watering

The mint plant prefers watering Water regularly to keep the soil moist; avoid wetting the leaves to avoid damaging them. Fertilization should be done every 2-3 years during the spring, preferably with a mineral fertilizer containing potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Periodically remove branches and dry leaves and, if you choose cultivation in the Plot, even weeds, in order to promote the oxygenation of the soil.

Collection

Typically, it is the summertime the ideal one for harvesting mint: the leaves, rich in menthol and essential oils, can be eaten fresh or left to dry and then reused to prepare herbal teas.

How to grow mint at home

To grow mint indoors, the preferred variety is spicata. Simply pick a small sprig in fall or spring and plant it in a 12-centimeter diameter pot. The pot should be placed on a saucer, which should be kept dry to prevent humidity. You can then place your mint plant indoors, on a windowsill, in a bright spot. You can also regularly pick a few leaves.

How to use mint

The ideal use of mint, and also the easiest and most effective to obtain its benefits, is the infusion or the tisaneBut at home you can also prepare a natural mouthwash with dried mint leaves, or an essential oil to treat colds and seasonal ailments. In the kitchen, mint is valuable in various dishes, as well as drinks and liqueurs.

How to grow mint in a pot or in the garden