How To Grow Spearmint
If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-grow herb to add to your garden, spearmint may be just what you’re looking for. Spearmint is a versatile herb that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Plus, it’s easy to grow and requires little maintenance. Here are some tips on how to grow spearmint in your own garden.
how to grow spearmint Step by Step Guide
1. Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun to partial shade. Spearmint prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
2. Sow spearmint seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. To do this, fill a seed starting tray with moistened seed starting mix.
Place 3-4 seeds in each cell of the tray and lightly cover with more mix. Keep the tray moist and warm (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 10 days.
SEEDLING
3. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out so that only the strongest seedling remains in each cell. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots and continue to grow them indoors until all danger of frost has passed.
4. When the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your spearmint plants outdoors. Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil. Space the plants about 18 inches apart.
WATERING
5. Water your spearmint plants regularly, giving them about 1 inch of water per week. If the leaves start to wilt, that means they need more water.
6. Mint is a fast-growing plant, so you’ll need to fertilize it regularly to keep it healthy. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 and apply it according to the package directions.
7. To keep your spearmint plant from spreading throughout your garden, you’ll need to prune it regularly. You can do this by cutting back the plant by about one-third of its size after it blooms in the summer.
By following these tips, you can easily grow spearmint in your own home garden. Enjoy harvesting this flavorful herb to use in all your favorite recipes!
Uses of Spearmint
Spearmint is used for digestive problems including gas, colic, stomachache, diarrhea, and Crohn’s disease. It is also used for respiratory problems including colds, coughs, bronchitis, and chills. Other uses include the treatment of headaches, toothaches, cramps, menstrual disorders, asthma, and fever.
Does spearmint need full sunlight?
Spearmint grows best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
How often should I water my spearmint?
Water your spearmint regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering.
Fertilizing Spearmint
Fertilize your spearmint every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
How long does it take for a spearmint plant to grow?
It takes spearmint plants 60 to 90 days to mature.
How do I harvest my spearmint?
You can begin harvesting your spearmint leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall. Cut the stems back by half to encourage new growth. You can also harvest the entire plant and replant it elsewhere. Be sure to leave some roots behind so the plant can regrow.
Does spearmint come back every year?
Spearmint is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back every year.
Pests and Diseases
Spearmint is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Watch out for aphids, slugs, and snails, which can all damage the leaves of your plant. If you notice any of these pests, remove them by hand or treat the plant with an insecticide.
Leaf spot and root rot can also affect spearmint plants. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture. To prevent them, make sure your plant has good drainage and don’t over-water it. If you do notice leaf spots or root rot, cut back the affected leaves or roots and dispose of them. You may also need to treat the plant with a fungicide.
How do I store my spearmint?
You can store fresh spearmint leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also dry or freeze the leaves for longer-term storage. To dry spearmint, tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, cool place.
Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stem and store them in an airtight container. To freeze spearmint, wash and dry the leaves, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use frozen Spearmint within six months.
Spearmint is a versatile herb that can be used in many different ways. Whether you’re growing it for its aromatic leaves or its use in culinary dishes, spearmint is easy to care for and maintain.
With a little attention, your spearmint plant will thrive and provide you with an abundance of fresh mint leaves for many years to come.
Conclusion paragraph:
Spearmint is a great herb to grow in your garden. It’s easy to care for, and you can use it fresh or dried in recipes. Let me know in the comments if you’ve grown spearmint before, and how you like to use it.
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