Garden Herbs and How to grow - Mint

Mint, or Perennial, or Mentha piperita
If you are looking for a complete listing of Mint species, you won't find it here. There are over 3,500 species! So, let's focus on the two most common mints. There's no surprise here. The most common mints are Peppermint and Spearmint. And, best of all, you can grow them with ease!

Most mints are natives of the Mediterranean region. They are hardy perennial plants, and they are very easy to grow. They have bright green leaves on bushy plants. Flowers include white, blue and pink. Once planted, mints will come back year, after year, after year. They require little or no maintenance, too. They will however, take over the garden if allowed. So, some effort is required to control them from spreading. Most varieties grow 12-24 inches.

Mints are great in herb gardens, in beds along the house, or in containers. Mints can be grown indoors as houseplants.

Did you know?
The mint family includes Marjoram, Rosemary and Sage. And, approximately 3,497 more.

Propagation
Mint is grown from seed. Get an early start planting it indoors as a houseplant. Or, directly sow seeds into your garden in the spring. Space seedlings or thin plants to 12" to 18" apart

Established plants are prolific propagaters, producing suckers in the second and following years. They can also be grown from cuttings.

How to Grow Peppermint, Spearmint and other Mints
Mint is simply too easy to grow. They thrive in sun or partial shade. They will do well in average soils. Mint withstands droughts, and heat very well. Chances are, you will not have to water them during a drought. Fertilizer is not usually required, except in the poorest of soils.

Mints are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. Give them plenty of space away from other plants in your garden. Or, better still, put in a border edging.

Harvest leaves at any time. They can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. Pick them in the morning when the oils are strongest. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool and ventilated area.

Tip Mint has a very strong, overpowering scent. Once dried, store it in an air-tight container, away from other herbs.

Main Uses
The oils in mint are in glands in the leaves. Crushing them release the oils and the pleasant, strong, and soothing flavor.

Mints and oils of mints are used for oils, used in cookies, teas, candies, jellies, chewing gum, flavoring for medicines, toothpaste, ice cream, liqueurs, and much more.

Medicinal Uses
Mint is often used to sooth upset stomaches and on occasion, for toothaches. It has also been used for headaches.

Ref : www.gardenersnet.com