Jen
There’s nothing quite like the refreshing scent of fresh mint. Whether I’m making tea, garnishing a dish, or just enjoying its fragrance, having a thriving pot of mint in my home has been a game-changer. The best part? Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow—almost too easy.
It grows fast, spreads aggressively, and requires minimal effort. But over the years, I’ve learned that growing mint in pots is the best way to keep it healthy and contained while ensuring I have a steady supply of fresh leaves.
Let me take you through my process of growing and caring for mint in pots, from choosing the right container to keeping it lush all season long.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
One of the first things I learned about mint is that it loves to spread. If planted in the ground, it can quickly take over an entire garden bed, competing with other plants for space. That’s why I always grow mint in containers—it keeps the plant manageable while still allowing it to thrive.
The Best Pot for Mint
Mint has a shallow but vigorous root system, so I choose a wide and deep pot—at least 12–16 inches in diameter and 8–12 inches deep. A larger pot prevents the roots from becoming cramped and allows for plenty of growth.
Drainage is key, so I make sure the pot has multiple drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. While plastic, ceramic, and terracotta pots all work well, I prefer terracotta because it helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the soil from becoming too soggy.
The Best Soil for Mint
Mint thrives in light, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. I use a high-quality potting mix and mix in a bit of compost or aged manure for extra nutrients.
My go-to soil blend for mint is:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part compost (for nutrients)
- 1 part perlite or sand (for better drainage)
Since mint loves moist soil but not soggy roots, I make sure the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Planting Mint: Seeds, Cuttings, or Nursery Plants?
I’ve grown mint in a few different ways, but I’ve found that cuttings and nursery plants work best.
Starting from Cuttings (My Favorite Method)
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to propagate from cuttings. Whenever I want to start a new plant, I:
- Snip a healthy stem (4–6 inches long) from an existing mint plant.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water.
- Wait for roots to grow (usually within a week or two).
- Plant the rooted cutting in my prepared pot with fresh soil.
This method is fast, reliable, and ensures I get an identical plant to the original.
Using Nursery Plants
If I want an instant mint garden, I simply buy a small potted mint plant from a nursery, loosen the roots, and replant it in my chosen container. It’s the easiest way to get started.
Growing from Seeds
I’ve tried growing mint from seeds, but it takes longer and can be unpredictable. If I do start from seed, I sprinkle them lightly on the soil, keep the surface moist, and wait patiently for germination, which can take 10–14 days.
Sunlight Requirements for Mint
Mint thrives in partial shade to full sun, but I’ve found that it does best with four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much intense sun can scorch the leaves, while too little sun can make the plant leggy.
Here’s how I adjust placement based on the season:
- Spring and fall: Full sun works great.
- Summer: I move my mint to a slightly shaded area in the afternoon to prevent wilting.
- Indoors: I place my pot near a bright, sunny window or use a grow light if needed.
If my mint starts stretching and getting leggy, I know it needs more light. If the leaves look scorched or wilted, it might need a bit of shade during peak heat hours.
Watering and Feeding Mint
Mint loves moist soil, but too much water can lead to root rot. I follow a simple watering routine to keep it happy.
How I Water Mint
- I check the soil daily—if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water.
- I water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
- In hot weather, I water once a day or as needed. In cooler months, I reduce watering to every few days.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Mint doesn’t need much fertilizer, but I like to give it a boost every four to six weeks with:
- A diluted liquid fertilizer (like fish emulsion or seaweed extract).
- Compost tea or worm castings added to the soil for natural nutrients.
Too much fertilizer can make the leaves lose some of their strong flavor, so I keep it light.
Pruning and Harvesting Mint
Pruning is essential for keeping mint lush and preventing it from becoming leggy. The more I harvest, the more my mint grows.
How I Keep My Mint Bushy
- I pinch off the tips regularly (every one to two weeks) to encourage branching.
- I never let my mint grow taller than twelve inches—cutting it back makes it produce more leaves.
- I remove flower buds immediately—once mint starts flowering, the leaves become less flavorful.
Harvesting Tips
- I always use sharp scissors or pinch off leaves just above a leaf node.
- If I need a large harvest, I cut the stems down to two to three inches above the soil—it grows back quickly.
Freshly harvested mint goes into everything from tea and cocktails to homemade pesto and infused water.
Dealing with Pests and Common Problems
Mint is usually pest-resistant, but I occasionally run into issues like:
- Aphids: Small green bugs on leaves—rinsing the plant or spraying with neem oil helps.
- Spider Mites: Tiny webbing under leaves—misting with water discourages them.
- Powdery Mildew: White patches on leaves—better airflow and avoiding overhead watering help prevent it.
Since mint spreads aggressively, I also check the roots every few months to make sure they’re not getting too root-bound in the pot. If they are, I divide and repot my mint to give it fresh space.
Preserving and Storing Fresh Mint
Since mint grows so quickly, I often have more than I can use. Here’s how I store it:
- Freezing: Chop fresh leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with water for easy use in drinks and cooking.
- Drying: I hang small bunches upside down in a dry, airy space for a couple of weeks, then crumble the leaves into jars.
- Mint-Infused Water and Oils: I steep fresh leaves in water or olive oil for refreshing drinks and dressings.
Final Thoughts
Growing mint in pots has been one of the easiest and most rewarding parts of my gardening journey. It’s low-maintenance, incredibly versatile, and perfect for small spaces. Plus, nothing beats the convenience of having fresh mint just a few steps away.
If you’ve never tried growing mint, I highly recommend it—just remember to keep it contained.
Do you grow mint in pots? Let’s swap tips and ideas.
