Growing Mint Outdoors Uk

Check plants regularly for mint rust.

Growing mint outdoors uk. To grow mint in a pot start by getting a mint seedling from your local nursery or garden store because it is difficult to grow mint from seed. As far as the compost is concerned for mint grown in containers we have always grown it normal multi purpose compost. One or two plants will easily cover the ground. Photo by lorna kring.

Ideally mint needs 1 to 2 inches 2 5 to 5 cm of water per week during the growing season. That said mint isn t picky. Mint is a vigorous plant that will spread all over the place if planted straight into the ground. When growing in pots rejuvenate congested clumps by upturning the container removing the rootball and splitting it in half.

The best size of container depends really on how much mint you want to grow. Growing mint in containers mint is particularly suited to container growing and will grow happily in potting compost. You can add 1 3 landscape sand to improve drainage if needed. If growing outdoors you will want to plant mint plants in a section of your garden that has borders to keep runners from invading your entire garden.

For growing outdoors plant one or two purchased plants or one or two cuttings from a friend about 2 feet apart in moist soil. Grow mint in containers of rich well draining soil amended with 1 3 organic matter such as aged compost. Use drip irrigation or water in the morning to allow leaves to dry. Water the plant if the pot dries out and feed with an organic liquid plant food once a month during the growing season.

If you are growing indoors a window box or a similarly wide shallow container with good drainage works best. Look for swollen stems with orange spots on the leaves. Once the little plants are ready to transplant take containers outdoors and let them acclimate for a week to outdoor conditions before moving them. Growing mint likes well drained nutrient rich moist soil with a ph between 5 6 and 7 5.

We have also asked the national herb centre what they use when growing their mint in containers and they also use multi purpose compost. Plants thrive in zones 3 11 depending on the variety. Mints will grow readily in sun or part shade and some types even survive in shade though they may become leggy. It is best to buy mint as young plants in spring.

Water new plants regularly. Then get a pot with holes on the bottom that is at least 12 inches in diameter and some nutrient rich soil that your plant will thrive in. Repot a portion in the same container using fresh compost. Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall.

Mint is a delightful herb to grow in the garden and has many uses in the kitchen. Dig up the plant and bin it.