Mint is one of the perennial herbs. While the above-ground parts of the plant die off, the rhizomes underground get through the winter well. In regions with harsh winters, however, protection is recommended. We explain how to do it.
How to protect mint in the bed from frost and snow
As the garden year draws to a close, the last blossoms and leaves on the mint plants wither. After the first frost, the parts of the plant above the ground can be cut off and disposed of. If a harsh winter is imminent, we recommend these precautions:
- Cover mint in the bed with needle sticks or straw
- enough air still gets through here so that no rot occurs
- Place potted plants in front of the south wall of the house on a block of wood
- cover the substrate with sawdust or leaves
- wrap the jar with bubble wrap or jute
- ideally relocate to a frost-free, dark winter quarters
Experienced hobby gardeners are very happy about permafrost with bright sunshine. However, if there is no snow, it is not only the mint plants that are at risk of considerable drought stress. In the frozen ground, the roots do not get moisture and there is no wet replenishment from above. In view of the cold frost, the watering can is used to supply the herb plants with water on a frost-free day.
tips and tricks
Are you cultivating one of the pure mint species? Then, with a bit of luck, your specimen will deliver a rich yield of single-variety seeds shortly before winter. Just collect the ripe, brown fruits and get out the seeds. Stored dry and dark, you can grow a new mint next year.