Mint is easy to grow and can be used in many tasty sauces and refreshing beverages - great for those hot summer days. Different varieties offer different tastes, and can be used in a wide range of recipes.
Planting Calendar
Mint can be planted all year round.
Harvest In
40 Days
Pinch off tips and cut back regularly when harvesting. This will keep it in mint condition and under control as well.
Prepare
Position
Plant in a spot that gets full sun to part shade. Plant either in the garden or in a large pot.
Soil
When planted into the ground Mint likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Mint does not like to dry, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a containers feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Caterpillars love a good munch on Mint, spray with Aquaticus Bugtrol for protection or control. Protect from Rust by spraying with Organic Super Sulphur.
Pruning
Pinch off tips and cut back regularly when harvesting. This will keep it in mint condition and under control as well.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Mint can be somewhat invasive so is often best when grown in a pot for better control.
Expert Tip
At times mint can be prone to rust. If this becomes a problem cut it right back, keep the soil moist and feed occasionally to promote new healthy growth .Remove any infected brown leaves from the surface of the soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other edible mints are available?
You can buy peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint.
