Properly cared for, all mint species are a revelation in terms of scent and taste. The way there is neither rocky nor long. There are, of course, a few important aspects to consider. Below you will find answers to all important questions.

How to water mint correctly?

Mint values a constantly moist substrate without waterlogging. Therefore, water the plant regularly and plentifully. Give the irrigation water directly to the roots without wetting the foliage. The best time of day for water supply is early morning or late evening.

When and how to fertilize mint?

If you want to care for your mint professionally and consume it carefree at the same time, organic fertilizers come into focus. How to fertilize the herbal plant in a balanced way:

  • Fertilize in the bed from May to August every 2 weeks with compost, cattle manure (€18.80) or similar
  • Fertilize mint in the pot weekly with organic liquid fertilizer in a diluted concentration
  • Do not apply fertilizer when freshly planted in pre-fertilized soil

Does a cut make sense?

Prudent care requires regular pruning. The sprawling growth of a mint cannot be controlled by repeated harvesting alone. Therefore, shortly before flowering, cut back all shoots radically except for two pairs of leaves. The clippings contain a particularly large amount of aroma, making them ideal for drying and freezing.

Should mint be repotted?

The strong mint rhizomes have completely rooted through a bucket in the second year at the latest. It is therefore advisable to repot every 2 years in order to maintain them professionally. Here's how to do it:

  • the diameter of the new bucket is at least 10 centimeters larger than before
  • Create drainage over the floor opening with broken pottery or grit (46.95€).
  • Spread a water- and air-permeable fleece over it
  • fill the lower third of the pot with a mix of herbal soil, compost and sand

After this preparatory work, unpot the mint and plant it in the middle of the fresh substrate. The plant must not be lower than before. Finally, water and place in a partially shaded location.

Is winter protection required?

Mint is one of the hardy herbs. Therefore, in autumn it draws in its leaves and hibernates with the rhizomes. Appropriate care nevertheless provides light winter protection in the bed in the form of a cover with needle brushwood. Ideally, you should take mint in a pot to a frost-free winter quarters. Alternatively, wrap the bucket with bubble wrap.

tips and tricks

No matter how lovingly you care for your mint, some diseases and pests are still lurking. The fungal infections 'peppermint rust' and 'mildew' are particularly prominent here. Among the most common pests, it is the ubiquitous aphids and the mint leaf beetle that make life difficult for home gardeners.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden