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Growing Mint Herbs
An herb garden can be as simple as a few pots of chives,
mints, and basils at the edge of a sunny patio or balcony.
The important thing in
to know now about herbs is that they are not very demanding and will do
well in ordinary soil as long as they have good drainage and at least a half
day of sun. The majority will thrive in soil that is neutral to slightly basic
and not very fertile. In fact, herbs will be more aromatic and flavorful if the
soil is somewhat poor in nutrients. But well drained soil is important if your
soil is compacted or heavy clay. Improve drainage by adding compost, perlite,
or vermiculite. Better yet, add some of each and work them into the soil to the
depth of about a foot.
Growing Mint Herbs
The true mints are zesty perennials of several
characteristic flavors and scents that are notorious for their usually rampant
growth. They often will climb out of their appointed beds and appear in other
garden areas where they may be less than welcome. They spread by roots and
runners and also are able to start rootless wherever the stems touch the
ground. Label them well and plant them in containers or beds that have
barriers. Regular stem and root pruning will help keep mints from spreading.
Don't let this invasive habit keep you from growing the mints. They are among
the most flavorful herbs. Lemonade, iced teas, and the famous mint Julep would
be sad potions, indeed, without mint.
Types Of Mints To Grow
SPEARMINT
(Mentha spicata) is probably the best known true
mint. It has rich green leaves, grows two to three feet in height, and has
spikes of pink flowers. It comes in both curly and plainleaved types. Some
spearmints are stronger in flavor than others so you may wish to sample several
before choosing one for your garden. In addition to being a flavorful garnish
for cold drinks and hot teas, spearmint is the key to mint sauce.
PEPPERMINT
(Mentha x piperata) has a sharp taste that is
familiar to all. Its glossy leaves are darker than spearmint and have a ruddy
cast. Peppermint grows to a height of about a foot and a half.
APPLE MINT
(Mentha suaveolens) has rounded, woolly leaves
with an apple scent. This mint has white flowers and reaches three feet in
height. Apple mint makes delightful teas and is especially good for making
candied mint leaves.
CURLY MINT
(Mentha aquatica var. crispa) has a milder mint
flavor and is noted for its small, curled, light green leaves.
ORANGE MINT
(Mentha X piperata var. citrate), also called
bergamot mint, is known for its large, dark green leaves with wavy edges and
distinct citrus scent and flavor. This is a different plant from the bergamot that is
also known as bee balm (Monarda didyma) which also has a citrus flavor and
fragrance, but is not a mint. The use of the common name, bergamot, for these
plants is due to their similarity to bergamot oil from the tropical orange
bergamot tree (Citrus aurantium) which is the characteristic flavor of Earl
Grey tea.
PINEAPPLE MINT
is a
pineapple- flavored cultivar of apple mint and has similar uses. It has
attractive cream and green variegated leaves.
This
article
excerpted from:
"Organic Gardeners
Basic" by George Van Patten.
Info/order this book
More
books on herbal gardening.
About The
Author
Reprinted
with permission from "Van Patten Organic Gardener's Basics" © 1993 by
Barbara P. Lawton & George F. Van Patten, published by Van Patten
Publishing, 4204 SE Ogden Street, Portland, Oregon 97206.
More
books by George F. Van Patten on Indoor Gardening
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