How to Grow Mint

Mint is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow — fragrant, fast-growing, and perennial. It’s perfect for teas, cooking, and pollinator-friendly allotments.
However, mint can spread aggressively, so it’s best grown in containers or sunken pots to control its roots.

Popular varieties:

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – classic culinary use.

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – strong flavour, good for tea.

• Apple mint, Chocolate mint, Ginger mint – aromatic, unique scents.

🗓️ Month-by-Month Growing Guide (UK)

January

🧤 Rest & Plan

• Mint is dormant now.

• Check pots or garden beds — remove debris and protect crowns with mulch.

• Plan new areas for spring planting.

• Order young plants or root divisions for spring delivery.

February

🌱 Prepare Soil or Containers

• Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot.

• Loosen soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure for fertility.

• If growing in pots, use multi-purpose compost with added grit for drainage.

• Clean old pots to prevent disease.

March

🌿 Plant or Divide Mint Crowns

• Ideal month to plant new mint or divide established clumps.

• For division: dig up an old plant, split the roots, and replant vigorous sections.

• Plant 5–10 cm deep, spacing 30–40 cm apart.

• Water well after planting.

• Cover with fleece in cold regions to protect new shoots.

April

🌾 Strong Growth Begins

• Shoots emerge quickly — keep soil moist.

• Feed every 2–3 weeks with diluted seaweed fertiliser.

• Pinch out tips to encourage bushier growth.

• Begin harvesting small amounts for fresh use.

• Watch for mint rust (orange spots) — remove affected leaves.

May

☀️ Lush Growth & Harvesting

• Plants are vigorous now — water regularly, especially in pots.

• Harvest regularly to keep mint compact and prevent flowering.

• Feed monthly with compost tea or liquid fertiliser.

• Plant mint in new containers if you want to expand varieties.

June

🌿 Peak Growth Season

• Keep cutting back regularly for fresh leaves.

• Water during hot, dry spells — mint likes consistent moisture.

• Mulch garden plants with compost to retain water.

• Keep pot-grown plants trimmed and well-fed.

• Remove flower buds as they form to keep flavour strong.

July

🌸 Flowering & Pollinators

• If allowed to flower, mint attracts bees and butterflies.

• Continue harvesting leaves — they are most aromatic before flowering.

• Cut back hard after flowering to encourage a second flush of leaves.

• Water generously in dry weather.

August

🌿 Second Growth Flush

• Plants regrow quickly after cutting.

• Continue harvesting until early autumn.

• Feed lightly with a potassium-rich fertiliser to strengthen plants.

• Propagate by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or compost.

September

🍃 Prepare for Dormancy

• Harvest final large batches for drying or freezing.

• Cut plants back to about 5 cm above soil level.

• Divide overcrowded clumps and replant healthy pieces.

• Add mulch around the base to insulate roots through winter.

October

🌾 Final Harvests & Protection

• Take last harvests before frosts.

• Move pots into a cold frame or sheltered area.

• Add mulch or straw to protect roots outdoors.

• Compost old, woody growth.

November

❄️ Resting Period

• Minimal growth now.

• Keep soil just slightly moist — do not overwater.

• Check for slugs or rot around crowns.

• Store dried mint in jars for winter teas.

December

🌱 Quiet Month

• No active growth.

• Plan next year’s mint bed or new varieties to try.

• Clean pots and tools ready for the next season.

🌼 Key Growing Tips

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained.

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart (or separate pots).

• Watering: Keep evenly moist, never waterlogged.

• Feeding: Fortnightly liquid feed in growing season.

• Harvest: Regularly from May to October.

• Overwintering: Cut back in autumn, mulch crowns.

🌤 Tip of the Season

“Keep mint in pots — it loves to spread! Regular cutting keeps it healthy and flavourful all season long.”