Mint

Mint (Mentha)  is wonderful for culinary use and comes in many varieties; the most popular of which are spearmint and peppermint. It is also one of the easiest herbs to grow and is a perennial in the Northern Utah climate. Mint is native to North America, Southern Africa, Australia and Eurasia. It can grow up to 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. It will spread in a garden quickly which makes it great for use as a ground cover or you can easily grow it in a container to easily manage growth and keep it from spreading to areas where you don’t want it. All species of mint have square stems and the flower attract bees, butterflies and birds.

Light: Mint is one of the few herbs that grows well in shadier areas. Grow in partial shade or plant in full sun and water it more frequently. If grown indoors increase humidity and keep in an east window.

Water: provide proper drainage; keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch and water in the morning.

Potting Mix: rich, moist and well draining soil

Toxicity: edible for humans but toxic for cats and dogs

Fertilizer: balanced and all purpose; fertilize in spring and every 4-6 weeks during growing season

Additional Care: prune regularly to control growth and spreading but also to keep the plant lush with leaves. Harvest when the stems are 6-8 inches tall and use only 1/3 of the plant maximum at a time.