Mint planting technology and maintenance methods

For friends who love to grow plants, it is a wise choice to choose some hardy and vigorous plants. If you are interested in herbs or aromatic plants, or want some green plants for making tea, then mint is undoubtedly a good choice. Below is a brief introduction to the planting techniques and maintenance methods of mint.

1. Planting technology

1. If you don’t want to buy ready-made mint potted plants , you can cut some mint branches or dig out old mint plants with roots and plant them in pots.

In order to promote the rapid growth of mint, especially during the peak growing season in spring and summer, it is necessary to prepare suitable flower pots and soil for it. It is best to choose a large flower pot, because mint grows quickly and has a well-developed root system, and a small pot will quickly restrict the development of its root system. The diameter of the flowerpot should be more than 20 cm and have sufficient depth.

2. The potting soil should be fertile because mint needs to absorb a lot of nutrients during its growth. During the growing season, apply diluted liquid fertilizer or organic fertilizer at least once a month to promote strong plants, lush branches and green leaves.

3. Mint loves sunlight and is not afraid of the sun. Insufficient light will cause the branches to be thin and the leaves to become lighter in color. Plenty of sunlight will make the branches thicker and the leaves thicker.

4. Mint needs regular pruning. For mint that is growing poorly or has yellowing leaves, you can cut off some branches, cover the surface of the potting soil with fertile soil or add organic fertilizer, and then water it thoroughly. Place it in a well-ventilated, sunny place and the mint will quickly come back to life.

In addition, you can also try cutting propagation to make the mint potted plant more lush. In spring and autumn, you can cut mint branches for cuttings or put them in water for hydroponics, and they will easily take root. A simpler method is to keep mint branches of a certain length, even branches with roots, so that they can survive faster after planting and grow new leaves quickly.

2. Maintenance methods

1. Watering

Watering is a key step in caring for mint potted plants. For mint grown in enclosed balconies or poorly ventilated environments, especially those planted in porcelain pots, if the soil is continuously moist and the indoor ventilation conditions are insufficient, it is easy to cause root hypoxia, leading to root rot, leaf shedding and withering, or even yellowing, affecting the health of the plant.

Therefore, when watering indoor mint, you should follow the principle of "water when dry and water when wet", that is, wait until the surface of the potting soil is slightly dry before watering, and avoid frequent watering. It is recommended to use smaller plastic pots instead of porcelain pots when planting for the first time to enhance air permeability and drainage.

After planting, water thoroughly, then reduce the frequency of watering, cut off withered branches and leaves, place it in a ventilated and cool place to slow down the growth, and then carry out normal maintenance.

In contrast, outdoor mint potted plants can handle more frequent watering because they prefer a warm, humid environment, and outdoor light and ventilation help prevent root problems and promote healthy growth.

2. Plenty of sunlight

Mint is a hardy plant, but it needs sunlight to grow. Whether it is diffuse light or full sunlight, it can meet the growth needs of mint. If mint is kept in an environment with insufficient light for a long time, its branches and leaves will become sparse, the number of leaves will decrease, and its growth will be restricted. Therefore, make sure your mint receives plenty of sunlight to promote its lush growth.

3. Fertilize mint regularly

Mint grows very fast, especially in spring and early summer, when warm climate conditions are extremely suitable for its growth, and mint will grow rapidly at this time. Mint will grow quickly as long as the soil is fertile and well-drained and there is plenty of water and light. When applying fertilizer, be careful to avoid using too concentrated fertilizer or raw fertilizer to avoid burning the roots and drying out the branches and leaves.

The correct way to fertilize is "apply thin fertilizers frequently", that is, apply a small amount of fertilizer each time, and then water thoroughly to dilute the fertilizer. This can both replenish nutrients and prevent fertilizer damage.

There are many varieties of mint, such as earth mint, spearmint, lemon mint, chocolate mint, etc. Not all mint is edible, so check the variety before eating. Different varieties of mint have different scents, some are strong, some are light and elegant, and you can choose to plant according to your personal preferences.