12 Mint-tastic Reasons To Grow Mint in Your Garden (Yes, Even with Its Wild Side!)

Ever heard the saying “Tomato is the king of vegetables”? I know, I know – it’s technically a fruit. But let’s talk about another garden favorite: mint. This aromatic, pleasantly intoxicating herb is a perennial superstar in the garden. With its cooling and soothing menthol flavors, mint is not just easy to grow but also packs a punch with both culinary and medicinal properties.

I can already hear your thoughts: “Mint? Isn’t that the herb that takes over everything?” And you’re absolutely right. Mint has a notorious reputation for being a garden invader, and for good reason. It can spread a whopping 4 inches per month, or even more! That might not sound like much, but before you know it, mint can take over an entire area, leaving you questioning if it’s worth the effort.

Spoiler alert: it absolutely is.

Don’t let its wild side scare you off. With a few simple tricks, you can keep it in check and reap its many benefits. Whether you’re planting it in a fragrant garden patch or keeping it neatly contained in pots, mint’s perks far outweigh the hassle of managing its growth.

Let’s talk perks. You’re probably already familiar with mint’s refreshing taste in teas, desserts, and mojitos. But here are 10 reasons why mint should be in your herb line-up this growing season:

Mint’s Versatility in the Kitchen

Mint isn’t just a one-trick pony in the culinary world. Whether you’re making teas, sauces, salads, or desserts, this herb can add a fresh twist to your dishes. Ever tried mint pesto? It’s a game-changer. Mix it up with some basil, walnuts, and of course, mint. Or how about a zesty coriander-mint chutney to spice up your meals? And let’s not forget about refreshing mint lemonade on a hot day. These recipes alone are worth growing mint.

You Can Take as Much Mint as You Please (and then Some) 

One of the best things about mint is how fast it grows. You can harvest it regularly without worrying about it running out. Even if you cut it back completely, it bounces back in just a week or two. Mint produces runners that become new plants, making it super easy to keep fresh mint on hand. Drying or freezing your harvest ensures you have mint for tea, casseroles, or a lamb rub all year round.

You Can Keeping Mint in Line So Your Garden Doesn’t Become a Minty Mess!

Did you know mint is basically the superhero of herbs? It grows faster than you can say “mojito.” But, just like any superhero, it needs a little management.

First off, you’ll need to harvest mint regularly because it grows so quickly. Even if you cut it all the way back, it’ll bounce back in just a week or two. Resilient, right?

Mint also sends out runners, which are like little explorers that dive into the soil and sprout new plants. It’s like mint has its own expansion plan! If you’re growing mint in containers, be on the lookout for any diseased plants and remove them ASAP. With mint’s speedy growth, you don’t want any bad apples spoiling the bunch.

Thanks to its fast growth, mint is perfect for preserving. You can dry or freeze it to enjoy year-round. Freshly dried mint makes the best tea, and it’s a fantastic addition to casseroles or as a dry rub for lamb.

Medicinal Benefits of Mint

Mint isn’t just good for cooking; it’s also great for your health. Historically, it’s been used as a digestive aid and breath freshener. Got a headache? A bit of mint can help with that too. Its aromatic oils can clear your sinuses and make you feel better when you’re dealing with a cold. This herb has been a go-to remedy for centuries, and it still holds up today.

There Is Literally No Maintenance, Except Watering

Growing mint is as low-maintenance as it gets. All you need to do is water it. I usually buy small mint plants, stick them in some good potting soil, and water them regularly, especially when it’s hot. Even if I forget sometimes, the mint pulls through. No need to worry about pinching it back if you harvest regularly. Just watch out for mint rust – if you see orange spots on the leaves, it’s time to act.

There Are Different Types to Choose From

Mint comes in many exciting varieties, each with unique flavors and benefits for your garden and kitchen. Here are some highlights:

• Peppermint: Perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes with its refreshing, potent menthol flavor.
• Spearmint: Ideal for mint juleps, mojitos, and adding a mild, sweet minty taste to salads and sauces.
• Chocolate Mint: Blends minty freshness with chocolate undertones, great for desserts and garnishes.
• Apple Mint (Woolly Mint): A refreshing aroma like green apples, perfect for fruit salads, herbal teas, and infused water.
• Pineapple Mint: Offers a tropical pineapple flavor, excellent for beverages and fruit salads.
• Lavender Mint: Combines lavender fragrance with mint’s essence, ideal for teas and baked goods.
• Strawberry Mint
  Fruity aroma with strawberry hints, enhances desserts and summer beverages.
• Catmint: Ornamental value, attracts pollinators, but not for culinary use.
• Horsemint: Strong fragrance, colorful blooms, great for landscaping and natural insect repellent.
• Corsican Mint: Miniature peppermint flavor, perfect for ground cover and container planting.
• Egyptian Mint: Robust flavor for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, great for mint teas and garnishes.
• Pennyroyal: Pungent aroma, used for medicinal purposes and insect repellent.

Mint is a Must-Have Pollinator Magnet!

Mint flowers are a magnet for beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies. These pollinators are essential for a healthy garden, helping your other plants thrive. Plus, having these buzzing friends around adds to the overall biodiversity of your garden ecosystem.

Shady or Sunny, Mint Don’t Mind – It Can Grow Everywhere!

Not every spot in your yard gets full sun, and that’s okay. Mint is a champ when it comes to versatility. It does well in both full sun and partial shade. So, even if your deck or patio only gets morning sun, you can still grow vibrant mint plants. No need to worry about finding the perfect sunny spot!

Mint is a perennial, which means it will come back year after year if the conditions are right. I’ve seen mint bounce back strong even after a tough winter, proving just how resilient this plant is. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving, making your gardening efforts feel like a breeze.

Mint Is Super Easy to Propagate From Cuttings

Propagating mint is quite simple and rewarding. Start by cutting healthy stems just below a node, around 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Within a week or two, you’ll notice roots beginning to form. Once the roots are a few inches long, transfer the cuttings to pots or directly into your garden soil. This project not only adds more mint to your collection but also makes for a great way to share the minty freshness with friends and family. In no time, everyone will be enjoying their own homegrown mint.

Mint in Homemade Products

Mint isn’t just for eating. You can use it in DIY beauty and health products like salves, soaps, and lotions. Making these at home is not only fun but also ensures you’re using natural ingredients. Imagine a mint-infused lotion that leaves your skin feeling cool and refreshed – it’s easier to make than you think.

Mint as a Companion Plant

Planting mint alongside other garden plants can help deter pests and improve their health. Mint’s strong scent repels flies, moths, aphids, spider mites, and mosquitoes. If you plant your mint containers near other herbs on your patio, you’ll have a natural bug repellent. Plus, pollinators love mint, ensuring your garden stays buzzing with life.

Mint Plants Repel Flies, Moths, Aphids, Spider Mites, and Mosquitoes

Mint plants are your garden’s secret weapon, offering natural pest repellents while adding a burst of flavor to your dishes. Imagine chatting with a friend about how these aromatic herbs can transform your garden into a pest-free paradise. Here’s how mint can help keep those unwanted insects at bay.

For moths, dried mint leaves in sachets or fresh sprigs in closets act as a natural deterrent, protecting fabrics and pantry items. Aphids, which damage plants by feeding on sap, are repelled by mint’s natural compounds. Planting mint near vulnerable plants or using a mint leaf spray can protect your garden.

Spider mites, causing plant discoloration and stunted growth, are also deterred by mint. Planting mint among susceptible plants boosts overall garden health. Lastly, mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases, are repelled by mint’s scent. Having mint plants nearby during outdoor activities keeps them away, creating a comfortable environment.