Understanding how to care for mint is a tempting idea. This plant has several health benefits: it is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins B, C and D, as well as minerals such as magnesium, iron and potassium.
Best of all, you can find more than 30 types of mint spread around the world, such as peppermint and peppermint mint. So, there is no shortage of species to choose from and plant in the garden!
If you liked the idea of learning how to care for mint, be sure to follow the content below. Below, we’ve listed some tips to help make this process simpler. Take a look and already put your hand on the ground.
How to plant mint?
Before learning how to care for mint, it is important to understand step by step how to plant it. We put together a guide for you to follow and have your garden at home!
- Get a mint seedling . You can buy it at a gardening store or make it at home. If you choose the second option, cut a sprig of mint from an adult, healthy plant. Be careful to make the run above the main stem of the plant;
- Put the branch in a glass of water. Leave it in a shady place with good lighting for a few days. Wait until the roots are two to three cm long to plant;
- Look for a vase at least 30 cm in diameter;
- Cover the bottom of the pot with charcoal and expanded clay. Then put compost of land and substrate in more than half;
- Put the seedling in the ground and fill the rest of the pot with soil and substrate;
- Water, keeping the vase in a bright place, but without receiving direct sunlight;
- Remove the mint plant from the vase when it is well developed, placing it in a definitive place.
What are the extra care for the well-being of the plant?
Now that you know how to plant mint , it’s time to find out what the main care for this plant is. Keep reading and see the tips we separate for you.
Ground
Mint is not a plant that requires a lot, especially when it comes to fertilization. However, sometimes it may be necessary to add some nutrients to the soil, such as earthworm humus or cattle manure.
So every two months, put organic fertilizer in your mint vase. If you are in doubt about the ideal time to fertilize, note if there are yellow leaves or if the plant has stopped growing, indicative of a lack of nutrients.
Irrigation
Watering is one of the most essential mint care . Therefore, it is indicated to water frequently, especially on those days when temperatures are very high. In these cases, it is sometimes necessary to water twice a day.
Remember: the soil needs to be moist, but not soggy. That’s because if you have too much water in the earth, the roots can rot, preventing healthy development.
Lighting
Mint loves heat and sun, so the best place to place the vase tends to be in houses and apartments, next to windows and balconies that are well lit and protected from strong winds. A tip: in the colder months, it can be very sagging, however, if it has a good light source, it can remain strong.
Harvest
If you like quick results, know that mint doesn’t take long to harvest. On average, the planting period usually lasts about 40 days. However, remember to check that the pot is full before harvesting.
In order not to harm your little plant when harvesting, always use very sharp scissors and cut five centimeters from the ground. That way, you don’t damage the mint.
Also, it’s okay to pull all the mint sprigs off the plant ! She manages to regenerate and grow healthily in a short time.
What do you think of another tip? When you harvest mint, you can best preserve it by drying and dehydrating the herb and storing it in an airtight container. That way, you won’t lack mint for your day to day.