Mint is easy to grow and can be used in a number of food and drink recipes, including salads, sauces, desserts and cocktails. There are a number of different types of mint that offer a variety of flavours and aromas.
The most common form of mint is spearmint which is sold as “garden mint”. However, there are other flavours available including peppermint, apple mint and banana mint. As well as varying in flavour, they have different sizes, textures and colour of leaves.
Those growing different types have been urged against planting them close together by gardening experts. This applies to if they’re planted in both pots or the ground. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the mints will lose their scent and flavour if planted close together.
If it’s planted straight into the ground, mint can spread far and wide. Experts recommend keeping different types constrained by planting them in a large pot or bottomless bucket sunk into the soil.
The RHS said: “Containers should be filled with multi-purpose or soil-based compost, while soil should ideally be fertile and free-draining, enriched garden compost – although mint is vigorous enough to cope in most types of soil, except waterlogged conditions.
“Mint is best planted in spring, although potted minst can be planted right through to autumn, except in hot dry spells. It is happy in full sun or partial shade. Water it well before and after planting.”
They added: “Avoid planting different varieties of mint close together, whether in pots or the ground, as they can lose ther individual scent and flavour.”
After being planted, mint is very low maintenance for gardeners. The experts advise watering the plant regularly for at least the first few months.
They should then harvest the leaves regularly to encourage growth. In the summer it may be necessary to cut back the sprigs after flowering and water.
The RHS added: “For plenty of new young leaves, make sure mint doesn’t go short of water in hot, dry weather. Plants in containers can dry out quickly, so water them regularly throughout the growing season.”