Mint can be an exotic addition to your herb garden, or an invasive pest!

Mentha spp.

• Plant Type: Hardy Perennial

• Growing Zone: Zones 3-9, depending on the species

- A spreading perennial it is generally grown for its aromatic leaves but can also be used for ornament. Its tiny flowers grow in spikes of pink, white or purple. Plant height can reach 18 to 36 inches.

- Mint Propagation is most successfully accomplished by root division or rooting plant cuttings.

- Care of Mint is easy. Pinch back young plants’ tips to increase leaf production. Divide and replant to a new location every three or four years to maintain vigor.

Any Mint Plant can easily take over your garden. To prevent this, plant the roots in a well-drained tub above or below ground and cut back stray growth to prevent rooting.

Growing mint from seed can produce inconsistent, even frustrating results.

It is recommended that you purchase mint seedlings or plugs from a reliable online supplier. Plant the herb seedlings outdoors in full sun or partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.5-8.0. Planting can easily be done in spring or autumn. It's always good to add compost.

The Mint leaves can be dried for winter use, but retain more and better flavor if chopped and frozen. Be sure to wash and dry thoroughly beforehand.

The variety of Mint Plants have many uses, varying tastes and scents

Mint, like Peppermint, is common in many flavorings with diverse uses. Mint or peppermint leaves are commonly used in sauces and relishes, as well as with fruit and vegetables and in teas and drinks like the mint julep.

The mint plant from your herb garden, can be used medicinally to treat indigestion and colds. The main constituent of Peppermint is menthol, which acts as an antibacterial. When dissolved in alcohol, it may be used to combat ringworm.

Mint from the herb garden was an important aromatic herb in medieval times as well. Growing herbs like Water Mint were strewn in homes because its scent was stronger than Peppermint or Spearmint. It was also added to baths because of its fragrance.

Spearmint contains no menthol and so was used only for its fragrance.

Peppermint can also be used to stimulate the liver and gallbladder, increasing the flow of bile and promoting digestion. In herbal tea, peppermint can ease upset stomachs and relieve digestive muscle aches or cramps because it acts as an antispasmodic.

Externally, Peppermint Oil is often used in soothing balms and massage oils. It cools the skin and promotes blood flow where applied.

Inhaling mint like peppermint or peppermint oil can loosen up respiratory mucus. However, prolonged use of mint inhalants should be avoided, and they should not be used for infants.