Dorothy Shaw
Growing Mint in Water
It is also possible, to grow mint in water all you need to do is to take tip cuttings of about 5-6 inches length from an established mint plant. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cuttings in a water-filled glass or bottle. Keep the bottle in a cool spot that is bright and receives indirect light. Keep changing the water every other day. The cutting will develop a few leaves and last for several days, you can either plant it in a container filled with soil or use it.
Requirements For Growing Mint Indoors
Growing mint indoors is rewarding, it complements vegetables, salads, yogurt, and meat and freshly picked leaves taste so great. Also, if you want to make an Indoor Herb Garden, mint is the best herb, to begin with.
There are about 600 mint species to choose from, grow which one you like most!
There are a few simple needs you need to care about– use a medium sized pot (2-3 gallon would be fine) when growing mint in containers, a wide planter is good as mint spread through runners and it’ll give space to plant to cover.
Location
Mint can tolerate some shade outside but it needs a minimum 3-4 hour of direct sunlight to grow well. Choose a location where this can receive that much sun and proper air circulation. Near a window or door, if you can keep it on a windowsill or on a balcony it would be best!
Soil
Quality potting mix that is light and soilless is what you need to grow mint indoors. You can also make it yourself:
• Combine 4-6 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite. If adding nutrients, blend 1/2 cup each bone meal, oyster shell lime (raises pH) and cottonseed meal/canola meal per 8 gallons of potting mix.
OR
• Follow this basic recipe– Add 1 part peat moss or coco peat, 1 part perlite (sand if you don’t have access to perlite), 1 part compost, 1 part sterile garden soil (optional).
Water
Mint loves moist soil, remember, moist soil not overly wet. You should be careful (especially in winter) with watering and don’t soak the plant both in the morning and evening to pamper it. Just keep the plant well watered and slightly moist. Both underwatering and overwatering should be avoided.
Fertilizer
Herbs growing indoors or anywhere shouldn’t be fertilized heavily or else they lose flavor. Feeding the mint plant occasionally using water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer should be enough. You can also mulch the top layer of the pot with compost or manure.
How to Care for Indoor Mint Plant
Pinching and Pruning
Pinch off the tips regularly to encourage the plant to grow more branches and become bushier. Prune off the lanky, spindly and dried branches time to time to keep the plant in shape.
Temperature
Mint loves moderate temperature, it should be saved from cold drafts in temperates. If you live in a warm tropical climate keep it away from hot and dry air, also, you’ll need to water the plant regularly. The indoor temperature should be around at least 65-70 F (18-21 C) in day and 55-60 F (13-15 C) in the night.
Harvest
Harvesting mint is easy. The best method is picking when you need. Pick off the sprigs or leaves just when you need whether you’re using them for dessert or lunch. Never let the flowers bloom and pinch off once you see them.
It is also possible, to grow mint in water all you need to do is to take tip cuttings of about 5-6 inches length from an established mint plant. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cuttings in a water-filled glass or bottle. Keep the bottle in a cool spot that is bright and receives indirect light. Keep changing the water every other day. The cutting will develop a few leaves and last for several days, you can either plant it in a container filled with soil or use it.
Requirements For Growing Mint Indoors
Growing mint indoors is rewarding, it complements vegetables, salads, yogurt, and meat and freshly picked leaves taste so great. Also, if you want to make an Indoor Herb Garden, mint is the best herb, to begin with.
There are about 600 mint species to choose from, grow which one you like most!
There are a few simple needs you need to care about– use a medium sized pot (2-3 gallon would be fine) when growing mint in containers, a wide planter is good as mint spread through runners and it’ll give space to plant to cover.
Location
Mint can tolerate some shade outside but it needs a minimum 3-4 hour of direct sunlight to grow well. Choose a location where this can receive that much sun and proper air circulation. Near a window or door, if you can keep it on a windowsill or on a balcony it would be best!
Soil
Quality potting mix that is light and soilless is what you need to grow mint indoors. You can also make it yourself:
• Combine 4-6 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite. If adding nutrients, blend 1/2 cup each bone meal, oyster shell lime (raises pH) and cottonseed meal/canola meal per 8 gallons of potting mix.
OR
• Follow this basic recipe– Add 1 part peat moss or coco peat, 1 part perlite (sand if you don’t have access to perlite), 1 part compost, 1 part sterile garden soil (optional).
Water
Mint loves moist soil, remember, moist soil not overly wet. You should be careful (especially in winter) with watering and don’t soak the plant both in the morning and evening to pamper it. Just keep the plant well watered and slightly moist. Both underwatering and overwatering should be avoided.
Fertilizer
Herbs growing indoors or anywhere shouldn’t be fertilized heavily or else they lose flavor. Feeding the mint plant occasionally using water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer should be enough. You can also mulch the top layer of the pot with compost or manure.
How to Care for Indoor Mint Plant
Pinching and Pruning
Pinch off the tips regularly to encourage the plant to grow more branches and become bushier. Prune off the lanky, spindly and dried branches time to time to keep the plant in shape.
Temperature
Mint loves moderate temperature, it should be saved from cold drafts in temperates. If you live in a warm tropical climate keep it away from hot and dry air, also, you’ll need to water the plant regularly. The indoor temperature should be around at least 65-70 F (18-21 C) in day and 55-60 F (13-15 C) in the night.
Harvest
Harvesting mint is easy. The best method is picking when you need. Pick off the sprigs or leaves just when you need whether you’re using them for dessert or lunch. Never let the flowers bloom and pinch off once you see them.
