Where: Mint performs its best in
full sun
, as long as the soil is kept moist, but it also thrives in partial shade. Mint is considered an invasive plant, because it sends out “runners” and spreads vigorously. Don’t let that fact deter you from enjoying fresh mint in your garden.
Where do mint plants grow best?
Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in
light soil with good drainage
. Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along stream banks. Most will grow in sun or partial shade; the variegated types may require some protection from direct sun.
Will mint grow anywhere?
Vigorous apple mint will grow anywhere
, but the plants are happiest colonizing a hillside or patch of moist soil. Although the roots of apple mint stay shallow, over time they become woody and difficult to dig out.
Where is mint grown the most?
The United States produces more than 70% of the world’s supply of peppermint and spearmint.
Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Indiana, California and Wisconsin
are the top peppermint producing states while Washington, Oregon, Indiana, Idaho and Michigan are the top spearmint producing states.
Which is the best mint to grow?
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is the best garden mint, especially with peas.
- Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) for mint jelly.
- Eau de Cologne (Mentha x piperita f. …
- Swiss Mint (Mentha x piperata f. …
- Buddleia Mint (Mentha longifolia Buddleia Mint Group) for arrangements and attracting butterflies.
What can you plant next to mint?
- Oregano and marigolds. In combination with mint, pungent, spicy oregano and marigold spread an aromatic forcefield across any vegetable garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
- Carrots. …
- Cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. …
- Tomatoes and eggplants. …
- Peas and beans.
What can you not plant near mint?
Avoid duplicating photos showing mint planted in a single windowsill container with other herbs: mint does NOT do well planted with other common herbs such as
lavender
, rosemary, sage and thyme, as these herbs prefer soil dry-down and sunny locations.
Does mint like sun or shade?
If you simply must plant mint directly in the ground (if you’re using it as a ground cover, for example), select a damp area in your garden or yard in
either full sun or part shade
. Mint prefers fertile soil with a pH from 6.0 to 7.0.
Does mint keep bugs away?
The
pungent nature of mint deters bugs from making your home their home
. Pests like ants, mosquitos, and mice will avoid mint plants whenever possible, and it can also help with other menaces like roaches, spiders, and flies.
What insects does mint attract?
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.
What country is known for mint?
Many countries grow mint. Three of the largest producers of mint and mint related products—such as essential oils—are
the United States, India and China
. The U.S. and India produce the largest supplies of mint oil used in chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash and several other products.
Which country is the largest producer of mint?
| Species Area (ha.) Major Producing Countries | Japanese mint 60,000 India ,China, Brazil | Peppermint 2,500 USA, France, former USSR, Brazil, India | Bergamot mint 1,200 USA , Brazil, Thailand | Spearmint 3,000 USA,China, former USSR, India |
|---|
Where is mint farmed?
Most U.S. mint is grown in
Washington, Oregon and Idaho
. Mint production shifted to the Pacific Northwest from the Midwest in the 1920s because of Verticillium dahliae, a soilborne fungus.
How do I make my mint plant bushy?
Sprinkle the soil with a little time-release fertilizer if you wish. Water in the plants well. Finally, positioning your fingers like mine in the
photo at left, pinch off the top two to four leaves on each plant
. This will make the mint branch out and become bushy.
What is the most common mint?
- Fresh Mint Leaves.
- Basil Mint.
- Pennyroyal.
- Calamint.
- Field or Corn Mint.
- Catmint.
- Spearmint.
- Curly Mint.
How often should I water mint?
If the top inch of the soil feels dry, give your mint plants a good soak. Typically water
2 times per week
. Increase watering in high temperatures or if mint wilts. As a general rule water 2 times per week with a good soak.
