Mint has a bad reputation for taking
over the garden, for good reason. But, there are many reasons to grow mint in
your backyard without fear!
Even though mint is a highly beneficial
plant, due to its spreading nature, many of us opt to just go without it all
together.
The
problem with doing this is that the mint wins.
Seriously, though. We humans are
definitely smart enough to outwit the mint, making it possible to enjoy all of
its benefits. Mint is a tasty plant that can be made into all kinds of goodies,
while also being a powerful medicinal herb.
There are many different varieties of
mint such as peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, and apple mint, all
with similar growing habits.
There are also other plants that are in
the mint family that grow without abandon such as lemon balm, bee
balm, and catnip that can included in this discussion as well.
Mint Can Only Move So Fast
The truth of the matter is that mint is
a plant, and while it can and will most definitely spread, it takes some time
for this to happen.
I would steer clear of planting mint in
or anywhere near your regular garden beds as it will eventually try and take
over, but it’s a great plant for a rocky herb garden, a neglected corner of
your yard, or a high traffic area.
This is a mint plant that is just
starting to spread after one year in the ground.
Mint will spread from its underground
roots, and can cover great distances and under obstacles to get to where it
wants to go, so keep that in mind when planting.
But, this won’t happen overnight,
although it may sometimes seem like it. Just keep a close eye on it and harvest
any new plants that you don’t want.
Mint Can Be Contained
Probably the best way to grow mint is in
a container. This will ensure that it will stay where you want it, without any
worry of garden takeover.
Since the rhizomes that cause the mint
to spread don’t go very deep, it’s also possible to plant mint in a raised bed
without worrying too much about it jumping ship.
It will try and take over the raised
bed, however, so make sure to plant other things that can keep up with it.
Other hardy perennial herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme can usually
tolerate the aggressive nature of mint, especially if they are already
established.
You Can Take as Much Mint as You Please
(& then some)
The best part about growing a plant that
is as aggressive as mint is that you can be just as aggressive back at it
without worry of harming it. You can cut handfuls of mint at a time without any
damage done.
See a mint plant that is growing where
you don’t want it? Chop it down and turn it into something delicious, or cut
large bundles of mint and hang to dry for use in the winter months.
Mint Grows Well in the Shade
If there is a shady area of your yard
that you have trouble growing things in, try planting mint. While it prefers
full sun, it can tolerate some shade, and it will probably keep it from
spreading as quickly.
Regardless, I would still take the
necessary precautions so that you don’t get a complete mint takeover (unless
that’s what you want, of course).
Here
is a short video with tips on growing and using mint:
Mint Can Grow from Cuttings
Mint is super easy to propagate
from cuttings and will readily re-root itself. You can cut out mint where
you don’t want it, put it in water until it grows some roots, then transplant
it where you do want it.
In fact, you don’t even have to put it
in water first as it will root right in soil. Do it as a science experiment
with your kids, or root a bunch of cuttings, pot them up, and give away to
friends.
Mint is the gift that keeps on giving
(and giving).
You Can Completely Ignore Mint (& it
won’t feel bad)
Let your mint go and do it’s thing, then
come and take from it as much as you want, and it will still thrive. Don’t
worry about watering or fertilizing it. Really, it will grow without any
inputs.
Unless you’re trying to naturally thin
it out, it may like a little water from time to time, but it will honestly be
ok if you literally ignore it for months on end.
Mint is a great plant for lazy
gardeners.
Mint Attracts Beneficial Insects (&
Repels the Bad Ones)
Let your mint go to flower and it will attract
bees, beneficial wasps, hoverflies (aphid eaters), and tachinid flies
(parasitic on nasty bugs).
The smell of the mint plant will also
repel houseflies, cabbage moths, ants, aphids, squash bugs, fleas, mosquitoes,
and even mice. Not a bad deal, if you ask me!
Mint is good for Your Pets
Chickens love fresh herbs and mint
is no exception. The best part is that it’s also great for them and their coop.
It keeps bugs, flies, and parasites at bay, as well as being an antioxidant and
digestive aid for your flock.
Be sure to plant lots of mint (as well
as other herbs) in and around the coop and run for chickens to nibble on daily.
Mint is also great for cats and dogs.
Catnip is actually in the mint family, and is a favorite herb for kitties as
well as humans.
While cats and dogs probably shouldn’t
eat a whole lot of mint in one sitting, a little bit is great for them. It is a
natural flea repellent, and I often see Cosmo the kitty rubbing up against the
mint plant.
Mint is Good Food
Of course, mint is an awesome culinary
herb! Cut it from the garden without abandon to make all kinds of delicious
treats. I particularly like to make tea with it, hot or iced!
Turn it into mint pesto or add
it to your favorite homemade cookies, brownies, or this decadent sounding fresh
mint cake with with dark chocolate mint frosting.
Get creative and make mint infused
honey, a gallon of mint wine, or chocolate mint extract.
This rhubarb mint jam sounds
delicious, so does this traditional mint sauce for lamb. You can also just
simply chop it up and add to salads or use it as a garnish.
Have a mint julep or mojito party,
you deserve it!
Mint is Good Medicine
Mint is also an amazing medicinal
herb. It is well known as a digestive aid and breath freshener, and is also
good for an upset stomach.
Peppermint is especially great for
headaches, and the essential oil can be rubbed on the temples for relief. It
can be helpful for seasonal allergies, and can also be added to body care
products like salves and lip balms, soaps, shampoo bars,
and lotions.
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