If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “I can’t grow anything,” I’d have… well, probably enough to buy a nice big mint mojito. But here’s a secret: mint is one of the easiest herbs you’ll ever grow — as long as you give it a pot of its own and don’t let it run wild.
I learned that lesson the hard way. One year, I tucked a small mint cutting into my raised bed, thinking I’d just “tuck it in the corner.” Ha! Within weeks it had sent runners everywhere, smothering out the poor parsley and overpowering the lettuce.
So, let’s save you that trouble, shall we?
🌱 Why You’ll Love Growing Mint
Mint isn’t just easy. It’s rewarding. Here’s why:
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Fragrant & fresh — Every time you brush past it, your fingers smell amazing.
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Useful every day — Teas, drinks, desserts, salads, even as a pest repellent.
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Hardy and forgiving — It bounces back from neglect faster than most herbs.
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Perfect for beginners — Especially in containers.
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Year-round potential — In warm climates like ours in Trinidad and Tobago, mint grows non-stop. In temperate zones, you can overwinter it indoors.
🌿 The Best Mint Varieties to Grow
Not all mints are the same! Try these if you can find them:
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Spearmint – Classic mint for teas, mojitos, and savory dishes.
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Peppermint – A bit stronger and spicier, great for desserts and infusions.
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Chocolate Mint – Smells like Thin Mints. Need I say more?
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Apple or Pineapple Mint – Mild and decorative, with pretty fuzzy leaves.
Bonus Tip: If a friend already grows mint, ask for a cutting — it roots easily in water!
🪴 How to Grow Mint in Pots
Container growing is the way to go. Mint loves to spread, and a pot keeps it contained while making it easy to move around if needed.
Here’s what to do:
🪴 Pot:
Use a medium to large pot (at least 10–12 inches wide / 25–30 cm). Terra cotta or plastic both work. Ensure it has drainage holes.
🌱 Soil:
Rich, well-draining potting mix is perfect. Soil recipe: 3 parts all‑purpose potting mix + 1 part compost + a handful of perlite for extra drainage.
☀️ Light:
Mint likes morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. In cooler areas, full sun is great.
💧 Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Stick your finger in the soil—if the top inch (2.5 cm) is dry, it’s time to water.
🚫 Don’t crowd it!
Plant only one mint in a pot. It needs room and doesn’t play nice with others.
🌿 Propagating Mint from Cuttings
It’s as easy as snip, sip, root, and pot.
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Take a 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) stem cutting just below a leaf node.
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Strip off the lower leaves.
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Place the cutting in a glass of water, and change the water every few days.
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Roots appear in 5–10 days. Once they’re an inch long, plant in a pot.
✂️ Harvesting & Keeping It Bushy
Mint thrives on regular trimming!
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Start harvesting once your plant is 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
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Pinch off the tips to encourage branching.
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Don’t let it flower! Snip off any buds to keep the leaves tender and tasty.
Pro Tip: Cut above a leaf pair—two new stems will grow from there.
Image Credit: Deepak Tamta from Pexels.com
⚠️ Common Mint Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ Planting mint in the ground without a barrier
Mint spreads fast underground. Stick to pots unless you want a mint takeover.
❌ Overwatering
It likes moisture but not soggy soil. Good drainage is key.
❌ Letting it go to flower
Flowering signals the end of leafy growth. Keep it trimmed.
❌ Forgetting to divide
Every year or two, tip the plant out, break it into smaller sections, and repot to refresh it.
🍃 How to Use All That Lovely Mint
Now that you’ve got a thriving mint pot, here’s how to enjoy it:
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Steep fresh leaves in hot water for homemade mint tea
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Muddle into mojitos or lemonades
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Add to fruit salads, tabbouleh, or green salads
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Make mint syrup for desserts
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Freeze in ice cubes for refreshing drinks
Note: Some people may experience mild digestive issues from mint in large quantities, and those with a mint allergy should avoid it altogether.
Image Credit: Summer K from Pixabay.com
Ready to keep your mint thriving?
→ Download my free “Mint Quick‑Care Cheatsheet” and never wonder when to water or prune again.
→ Follow me on Pinterest and Pin the upcoming infographic to your Herb‑Lovers Pinterest board so you’ll have this guide at your fingertips.
🪴 Wrap Up: You’ll Never Need to Buy Mint Again
Once you’ve got one mint plant going, you’ll always have more. It’s that generous. Just give it a pot, a trim, and a little love.
Do you already grow mint? Have a favorite way to use it? Or did mint once escape and take over your yard?
👇 Tell me in the comments — I’d love to hear your minty adventures!
Happy Gardening!
The Grey Haired Gardener🌸
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