Mint is a versatile herb that can be used for cooking, herbal remedies, and even as an air freshener. But did you know that it can also make for a beautiful and fragrant ground cover in your garden?
While some gardeners may shy away from planting mint due to its aggressive spreading tendencies, with a little bit of precaution and care, you can create a stunning mint bed without it taking over unwanted parts of your yard.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to plant mint for ground cover and how to contain its growth. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn how to create a heavenly-scented mint bed in your own backyard.
How To Plant Mint For Ground Cover
When it comes to planting mint for ground cover, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right location. Mint prefers a moist but well-drained site, similar to its native habitat along stream banks. It can grow in both sun and partial shade, but variegated types may require some protection from direct sun.
Next, it’s important to contain the plant’s roots. Mint is a vigorous grower and can easily spread all over your garden if left unchecked. To prevent this, it’s best to plant mint in a pot. We recommend using a 10-inch pot with drainage holes, which can be sunk into the ground or placed in another larger container of soil.
If you’re okay with mint becoming a ground cover and understand that it may become invasive, you can also plant it in its own raised bed or separate area. Just be sure to keep an eye on its growth and prune it back as needed.
When planting mint, space each plant about 2 feet apart in moist soil. One or two plants will easily cover the ground and grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall. Mint is a hardy perennial that thrives in light soil with good drainage.
Choosing The Right Mint Variety For Ground Cover
There are many different varieties of mint to choose from when planting for ground cover. Some of the most popular types include Peppermint, Wild Mint, Spearmint, and Scotchmint. For colder regions, peppermint, orange mint, and apple mint are perfect choices. Pineapple mint and spearmint grow better in subtropical and tropical climates. Other popular varieties include chocolate mint and lemon mint.
One excellent option for ground cover is the diminutive Corsican mint (M. requienii). This variety of mint grows rapidly and rampantly, making it an excellent choice for ground cover if you’re looking for a carefree specimen and have no future plans for other plantings in the area. It forms dense mats of tiny leaves and has lilac flowers, although they are so small you can barely see them. Because of its size, tendency to spread, fragrance (released when crushed), and ability to hold up to some foot traffic, it is a great choice for growing between stepping stones.
Like pennyroyal, Corsican mint is an excellent choice when you need a short plant (in fact, it is considered a miniature); for example, both are useful for planting the edge of a container. Another option is prostrate pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), which can be planted in paths and withstand foot traffic.
Ultimately, the right variety of mint for ground cover depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as climate conditions, desired height and spread, fragrance, and ability to withstand foot traffic when making your selection.
Preparing Your Garden Bed For Mint Planting
Before planting mint in your garden bed, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. Mint loves rich, moist soil with a pH level of 6-7. To achieve this, mix 3 inches of aged compost-enriched soil into the top 6 inches of soil. This will add nutrients and improve drainage.
If you’re planting mint in raised beds, blend equal parts of garden soil and potting mix. This will provide the perfect growing environment for your mint plants.
When planting, space each plant at least 2-3 feet apart to prevent them from spreading too quickly. You only need to plant 5-8 mint plants in your garden bed as they can grow vigorously fast.
Once you’ve planted your mint, make sure to keep the soil moist at all times. Mint needs regular watering and the soil should be moist but not wet. You can cover the soil with a little layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
To promote healthy growth and extend its growing time, pinch off the tips of your mint plants to make them bushier and remove any flowers that appear. An occasional fertilizer meant for mint once a month is enough to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare your garden bed for planting mint and enjoy the benefits of this fragrant and versatile herb as ground cover in your garden.
Planting Mint Seeds Or Seedlings
If you want to start your mint from seeds, it’s best to sow them outdoors after the last frost date in your region. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist, and the mint seeds will typically germinate in 7-14 days.
Once the seedlings have developed three or four true leaves, thin them to 18 inches apart. This helps to improve air circulation between plants, which can prevent the spread of some types of diseases and pest infestations. Regular watering is also important for mint, as it hates getting dried out and loves moist soil.
If you prefer to start with seedlings instead of seeds, you can purchase one or two plants from a nursery or take cuttings from a friend. Plant the seedlings about 2 feet apart in moist soil, and they should easily cover the ground and grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall.
Regardless of whether you start with seeds or seedlings, it’s important to choose a patch of ground in either full sun or partial shade. Mint generally prefers lean soil that is not nutrient-dense, but if your garden soil is heavy clay or mostly sand, you may need to amend it before planting.
Watering And Fertilizing Your Mint Bed
Watering your mint bed is crucial for its growth and health. Mint loves moist soil, but it’s important not to overwater it. The ideal environment for mint is lightly moist soil, so make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. If the soil feels dry about an inch down, it’s time to give your plants some water. It’s best to water your mint in the morning so that it has plenty of moisture during the day as temperatures rise.
Fertilizing your mint bed is also important for its growth and flavor. Mint prefers rich, moist soil with a pH level of 6-7. You can provide nutrients to your plants by feeding them with an all-purpose, water-soluble plant food, such as 10-10-10 (NPK). It’s best to fertilize your mint bed once a month during the growing season. If you notice that your plants need more nutrients, you can fertilize them once more midway through the growing season.
When fertilizing your mint bed, make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully. Over-fertilizing can cause damage to your plants, so be careful not to apply too much fertilizer.
Controlling Mint Growth And Preventing Over-Spreading
Mint is known for its vigorous growth and ability to spread quickly, which can make it a challenge to control. However, there are several strategies you can use to keep your mint plants from over-spreading and taking over your garden.
One effective method is to grow mint in containers. This allows you to control the plant’s growth and prevent it from spreading via underground runners. When planting mint in containers, use a bottomless pot that is at least 12 inches deep. Clay pots are recommended, as they are porous and allow for better airflow than plastic pots. Make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom or low on the sides.
To further control spreading, use container rims that protrude about 1 inch above the soil. This will guide the mint stems upward and prevent them from rooting in the soil. Regular pruning is also important for maintaining control over your mint plants. Check and prune them monthly, removing any stems that have grown over the edge of the container and rooted in the soil. Use sterilized pruning shears and remove stems at their bases to encourage an upright form.
Another way to prevent over-spreading is to plant mint in its own separate area or raised bed. This allows you to contain the plant’s roots and prevent it from interfering with other plants in your garden.
Harvesting And Using Your Mint Ground Cover
Once your mint ground cover is established, you can begin harvesting and using the leaves. The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning, just as the dew is starting to evaporate from the leaves. At this time, the essential oils in the foliage are at their most potent, resulting in leaves with an intense aroma and flavor.
To harvest, simply pinch off the tops of the stems, being careful not to take too much at once. You can also pick individual leaves as needed. Young leaves have more flavor than old ones, so it’s best to harvest regularly to keep the plant producing new growth.
Mint leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use. To dry mint leaves, cut the stems right before flowering and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once they are completely dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Mint leaves can be used in a variety of ways, including adding them to teas, salads, and cocktails. They can also be used to flavor sauces, marinades, and desserts. Mint is a versatile herb that pairs well with many different flavors.
In addition to its culinary uses, mint has many medicinal properties as well. It is known for its ability to soothe upset stomachs and relieve headaches. Mint tea is a popular remedy for colds and flu.
In conclusion, planting mint for ground cover is a great way to add beauty and fragrance to your garden while also providing a useful herb for cooking and medicinal purposes. With proper care and maintenance, your mint ground cover will thrive and provide you with delicious and aromatic leaves for years to come.
