An easy guide to growing Mint (From Seedlings).

Even for a novice, growing mint from seeds is both simple and rewarding. The two things you need are patience and consistency; after that, the mint pretty much takes care of itself. 

Even for a novice, growing mint from seeds is both simple and rewarding. The two things you need are patience and consistency; after that, the mint pretty much takes care of itself.

Step One: Plant the Seeds

It is a mistake to plant mint in a starter tray. I’ve done it many times, and although it can be easy to get the seeds started, it becomes a nightmare to replant and to ensure the mint is established in the soil. The best results are to place the seeds into a small but deep pot.

If you’re growing the plant indoors, there is no best time. If growing outdoors, early spring is a better time than any—just be sure to keep an eye on the weather, as mature mint can tolerate frosts, but tender baby seedlings will need shelter from a freeze.

All you need is a solid base of soil in your pot, and lightly sprinkle a few of the tiny, tiny seeds onto the surface of the soil. Very lightly cover with soil and water well, but gently. The seeds don’t need much to cover them, and putting too much soil could slow their growth or ruin them completely.

Step Two: Water Until You See Seedlings Grow

Mint takes about 10 days before starting to germinate and sprout. They love slightly moist soil, so adding a little sprinkle of water every day will ensure that the conditions are right.

Mint doesn’t need loads of sunshine, but a warm, sunny and sheltered spot will ensure the seedlings get enough sunlight and shelter to thrive. At first, you’ll start to see tiny little seedlings emerge from the soil. When compared to other micro-greens, like Rocket or Cress, Mint takes a while to get going and root down into the soil.

Because mint seeds are so tiny, you might find a dense cluster sprouting all at once. Once they are a few centimetres tall, gently pinch or snip away the weakest seedlings, leaving just the strongest 1 or 2 to rule the pot.

Repotting

If you did start your mint in a little tray, you’ll need to re-pot it into a larger one. It’s not advised to place them directly into your garden, because they can quickly take over. Mint can quickly overwhelm your garden; not entirely a bad problem to have, to be sure, but a pot keeps it contained!

When repotting, be very careful with your mint. It can be quite delicate, and the roots cluster together. If you tear or break the plants apart, it can shock the plant and damage its health.

Pruning and Enjoying

Mint can be a wonderful flowering pollinator, but most of us love it as a herb to enjoy in salads or tea. To ensure the leaves are wonderfully fragrant and minty, you should regularly prune the maturing plant.

By cutting the shoots at a junction point, you’re encouraging growth for the lower leaves at the bottom. Every week, take away the largest stems and prune from the outside of the bush, inwards. This strategy will prevent the plant from flowering and allow your mint to continue to grow upwards.