Do you love the flavor of mint but don’t want to deal with the hassle of growing it outdoors? Or maybe you don’t have the space for a garden. Whatever the reason, knowing how to grow your very own mint indoors is a great solution!
Not only is mint a delicious herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it’s also relatively easy to grow. With a little bit of planning and care, you can have a thriving mint plant in no time.
Keep reading for a complete guide on how to grow mint indoors, including the best type of mint to grow, what type of pot to use, and how to care for your plant.
Step One: Get Yourself a Mint Plant
The first step in growing mint indoors is to choose the type of mint you want to grow. While there are many types of mint to choose from, some of the most common are spearmint, peppermint, and orange mint. Each of these varieties have their own unique flavor and aroma. Be sure to buy a healthy mint plant from your local nursery or garden center. Avoid plants that have wilting leaves or look otherwise unhealthy. Once you’ve purchased your mint plant, it’s time to get it ready for life indoors. Make sure to put the plant in a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Use a pot made of terracotta or plastic and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Step Two: Put Your Mint Plant in a Bright, Sunny Spot
Mint plants love the sun, so it’s best to find a spot in your home that gets plenty of bright, direct sunlight. You can also use artificial lighting, such as grow lights, if necessary. Make sure to rotate the plant every few weeks so that all sides get an equal amount of light. This will ensure that your plant grows evenly and is healthy.
Step Three: Water Your Mint Plant Regularly
One of the most important steps in growing mint indoors is to water the plant regularly. Mint plants prefer evenly moist soil, so check the soil often and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Never let the soil become overly saturated or water-logged and be sure to empty the drainage tray after each watering.
Step Four: Fertilize Your Mint Plant Every Few Weeks
Like all plants, mint needs to be fertilized in order to grow and stay healthy. Choose a fertilizer formulated for herbs and apply it according to the instructions on the package. Fertilizing your mint every two to three weeks should help keep it growing strong.
Step Five: Prune Your Mint Plant as Needed
Pruning is an important step in keeping your mint plant healthy. Prune the plant using clean scissors and cut off any dead or dying leaves. Pruning will also help keep the plant in a bushy, healthy shape.
Step Six: Watch for Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can be a problem for mint plants, so it’s important to watch for any signs of trouble. Common pests include aphids and mealybugs, while diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot can also affect mint plants. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, take action immediately to remedy the problem.
Step Seven: Harvest Your Mint Leaves
Once your mint plant is established, it’s time to start harvesting the leaves. Try to harvest the leaves in the early morning when the flavor and aroma of the leaves are at their peak. Snip off the leaves with clean scissors and use them immediately in your cooking or hang them to dry them for future use.
Step Eight: Enjoy!
Congratulations, you’ve successfully grown a mint plant indoors! Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Freshly picked mint leaves can be added to salads, soups, and drinks for added flavor and aroma. You can also use your mint leaves to make herbal tea or blend them into smoothies. Enjoy experimenting with your mint plant and find new ways to incorporate the herb into your cooking!
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Besides talking about mint, I grow my own indoor herb garden and research the best methods to assist beginner gardeners in learning about and growing their own indoor herb gardens. I enjoy teaching people about how to successfully grow herbs indoors and share tips and tricks that I have learned from my own experiences. I also enjoy the challenge of growing new herbs and experimenting with different methods to see what works best. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching your plants grow — except maybe eating the food you grew yourself!
