Mentha species or mints, as they are commonly called, include many varieties that flavor everything from appetizers to desserts. The best-known species in North America are peppermint (M. x piperita) and spearmint (M. spicata), which are highly valued for commercial use. Mint is a symbol of "hospitality" and can be grown indoors and outdoors in pots and containers. In the garden, mint should be grown with a barrier around the roots, as it can be extremely invasive. Most mints do not grow true from seed so it is best to purchase the plants from a nursery or garden center. Fresh mint is a source of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A.
Peppermint and spearmint are perennials 12–36 inches (30–90 cm.) tall, although some mints are ground-hugging. Produced at the end of square stems, terminal spikes of beautiful lilac, purple, pink, or white flowers usually bloom in mid to late summer. Cultivation Requirements for Growing Mint: Grows best in moist, deep, loose-textured sandy soil; Will do well in full sun but partial shade; water well; Pinch off the flowers to promote bushy growth; And if growing indoors, fertilize every 3 or 4 weeks with organic fertilizer at half strength. Where winters are harsh, mulch with straw or leaves to protect your plants.
Mints have creeping roots that require ample space to develop. When establishing indoor plants, plant in good houseplant soil and in containers sufficiently large to accommodate their root system. To bring indoors for the winter, check for insects, and spray with soap and water if necessary. To harvest indoor plants and keep them from becoming rough, cut the stems back to 5 inches (13 cm.). This will also prevent plants from blooming and ensure delicious leaves.
Indoor mints require at least 5 hours of bright sunlight daily. Grow them on a southern or eastern exposure. If you're growing them on a windowsill, rotate them regularly to make sure each side gets the same amount of light. Better yet, grow them in fluorescent light 6 inches (15 cm.) above the plants and leave them on for 14 hours a day.
Mint is a good companion for cabbage and tomatoes in the garden. Mint deters cabbage worms and mint can help keep aphids away from nearby plants. Mint attracts bees so planting them near fruit trees will improve pollination and increase yields. Add fresh mint leaves to the water in the birdbath to keep the water attractive to birds. Use mint in the kitchen with roasted lamb or fish, butter, salads, cheese, fruit, fruit salads, jellies, soups, sauces, plain meats, poultry, stews, sweet dishes, tea, bean and lentil dishes. Add peas, carrots, fresh beets, new potatoes and a fresh sprig of vinegar to the cooking water. Mint flowers can be used in salads as well as garnish for desserts. In Middle Eastern cuisine, mint is used for cheese pastry filling, yogurt dressing, and for stuffing for vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant. Mint tea is useful to calm an upset stomach. To make one cup of decoction, use 1 teaspoon (5 mL) dried leaves or 3 teaspoons (15 mL) crushed fresh leaves in 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water. Steep to taste. Mint can be dried or the leaves can be frozen in butter, oil or ice cubes.
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