Mint is one of those herbs that prefer full sun, up to 6 to 8 hours a day. Mint can also thrive in part-shade — if they’re watered adequately. However, do everything possible to protect mint from extreme sunlight, especially in the afternoon.
Keep in mind that sunlight isn’t the only requirement for growing mint and getting a bountiful harvest.
Soil preparation and the use of fertilizer also matter. Generally, gardeners and farmers recommend applying 16N: 16P: 16K granular fertilizer.
This fertilizer must only be applied to the root section of the mint plant.
Watering mint regularly to keep it moist
Watering mint regularly is essential to prevent the plant from becoming too dry.
It needs consistent, deep watering, but not so much that the soil becomes saturated.
Mint can suffer from root rot or wilting if it becomes too dry. The proper watering schedule will depend on the climate and the amount of sun exposure your plant receives.
It’s best to water your mint plant in the morning to allow its leaves to dry before the afternoon.
The soil should feel dry but slightly moist when you place your finger in it. Water your mint plant at least twice a week.
During the summer, you may need to water it more often.
When watering mint in full sun, it’s best to use rainwater or distilled water.
Avoid using tap water, as it contains a lot of lime, which can inhibit the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Growing Mint in a Container
Another alternative to watering mint regularly in full sun is to plant it in a container.
The mint plant is not very invasive, so it will spread quickly in a container or a garden.
However, if you want a plant with a more permanent place in your yard, you can plant it in the ground.
In either case, be sure to cover the roots with a root barrier. Mint will let you know when it needs water – it will shed its leaves if overwatered.
When planting mint in full sun, make sure you choose the right spot. You need to be sure that the soil is moist and not too dry or you will have to deal with rust.
Rust appears on the underside of the leaves and is a common problem for mint plants. Fungicides can help prevent or treat this problem.
Planting mint in a hot climate
To grow mint, choose a sunny area in your garden, preferably east or west-facing.
Plant the plants about 15 inches apart. If the sun is too harsh, plant them in a shady area, and protect them from direct sunlight with taller herbs.
Although mint grows best in full sunlight, it does well in part shade. Mint needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to flourish. Plant it in the east or west, but avoid planting it under a tree or in partial shade.
If you’re planting mint in a hot climate, it may be difficult to get the necessary sunlight, especially if the weather is humid.
Mint prefers well-drained soil, and it needs a temperature of 60 degrees or higher.
It also prefers regular watering. If you’re planting it in the sun, you can use a timed soaker hose to water it automatically.
However, it’s better to use watering cans to water the plant. If it’s in a pot, you may need to water it more often to keep the soil moist.
Mint is a hardy perennial. You can move it to a sunny spot if it doesn’t get enough sunlight.
Usually, it will start sprouting new leaves in a few weeks. The new leaves will remain small and pale until they begin to grow.
What type of soil does Mint prefer?
Mint plants do well in most soils, but it prefers moist and drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mint plants don’t need much fertilizer. However, it benefits from a balanced NPK organic liquid fertilizer in spring and lights compost mulch in summer.
Depending on your climate, you might want to give your mint plants a liquid feed every 4-6 weeks.
Planting mint in the part sun – part shade
Mint is a perennial herb that prefers full sun but can grow well in part shade. It needs well-drained, moist soil and likes a lot of organic matter.
To make sure your mint plant has the best possible growing conditions, use a soil amendment like Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose In-Ground Soil, which contains compost and adds nutrients to the soil.
You can also use a potting mix or a container mix containing compost.
If your mint plant is growing in part shade, choose a south-facing location to receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun.
Avoid planting the mint plant near trees or other structures that may shade it. If you do have partial shade, try to plant mint in the east and west parts of your garden.
Mint grows best in moist, medium-rich soil that’s neutral pH. If you can add mulch to the soil to keep it moist and healthy.
Mint plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week. If you don’t have the time or money to get a soil test, use Miracle-Gro soil, which contains aged compost to improve soil health.
Pruning dead stems back to promoting the growth of new shoots
Pruning mint is a great way to stimulate growth and promote new shoots.
You don’t need to change the light cycle or fertilizer level to prune this herb, and cutting back dead stems is not a hassle.
Mint will grow back quickly from the cut node. This method is suitable for both indoor and outdoor mint.
Mint’s strong root system makes it relatively resistant to pruning. Dead stems should be pruned back as close to the surface as possible.
Mint should produce new shoots within one to two weeks after harsh pruning. Excessive heat and lack of water can damage the plant.
Mint can suffer from rusty leaf disease. You can prevent this by removing dead stems and diseased leaves.
Also, keep your mint plant in a sunny location with plenty of air flow. If you notice rust-like growth, you may need to treat the mint with fungicides.
This type of disease is caused by Verticillium fungi.
Winter pruning of mint is important to encourage new shoots in the spring. Winter pruning keeps the plant from going dormant and protects the healthy root system.
Once spring comes, new shoots will begin to emerge from the lower stems. Then, it will be time to fertilize the mint.
Mint can spread by sending out runners and roots underground. Its roots can take over an inch of soil and choke other plants.
When not pruned back, mint can take over a garden area and shade the surrounding plants.
What causes soggy and weak mint?
Overwatering mint is a common problem that can weaken the plant. This problem can be corrected by watering the plant on time and providing it with the proper moisture.
You can also use a tray or basin with a hole in the bottom to hold the water. This way, the water will be absorbed by the roots.
Excess moisture can also lead to discolored leaves. Mint requires proper drainage and should be grown in pots with drainage holes.
If it is growing in a pot with poor drainage, add gravel to it. You can also use the saucer technique to improve drainage.
Overwatering mint can lead to a variety of problems, including fungal infections.
Mint grows best in soil that is slightly moist but not wet. It will not grow properly if you water it too much or it is too cold.
Overwatering mint will make the plant weak and unable to absorb nutrients.
Aphids are another common problem and can damage mint plants. Aphids are tiny parasitic insects that live on plants and cause damage.
Aphids live on mint and can damage it by eating its leaves and stems. However, they are easy to get rid of.
You can remove aphids by washing the leaves with water and mild soap. However, if you have a full infestation, you may need to introduce a natural predator.
How does Stolon Rot affect Mint?
Another problem is stolon rot. If your mint plant is infected with a fungus, the roots can become blackened and brown.
If you can’t see the symptoms, you can quarantine the plant and remove it from the affected soil.
Washing the roots with a solution of baking soda and water is also an effective treatment.
Moreover, you can remove the affected roots and repot the mint plant in fresh dirt.
Conclusion
Mint is a perennial herb that requires well-drained soil, full sun, and adequate watering.
Watering is really important because overwatering can cause root rot and other problems.
So knowing when and how to water your mint will ensure a bountiful yield and healthy leaves.