Mint Peppermint

Soil Preparation 

• Mint prefers moist, well draining soil with pH 6.0–7.0. 

 Clay Soil:

• Amend with compost, coco coir, or gypsum. 

 Sandy Soil:

• Add organic matter (compost, aged manure) to retain moisture. 

 Raised Beds/Containers:

• Ideal for invasive control and drainage. 

Tip: Mint spreads aggressively—plant in pots or use root barriers in gardens.

Sowing Seeds 

• Fill trays/pots with seedraising mix. 
• Sprinkle seeds on the surface (they need light to germinate).
• Lightly cover with 3 mm of soil. 
• Mist with water and keep moist (use a spray bottle to avoid dislodging seeds). 
• Place in a warm, bright spot (not direct sun). Germination takes 10–15 days. 

Tip: Start seeds indoors in cooler regions; use a heat mat for faster germination.

Transplanting Seedlings 

 When:

• After 4–6 weeks, once seedlings have 2–3 true leaves. 

 Harden Off:

• Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7 days. 

 Spacing:

• 30 m apart in gardens or 1 plant per 20cm pot. 

Note: In hot climates (e.g., QLD), plant in dappled shade to avoid scorching.

Watering & Feeding 

Watering:

• Keep soil consistently moist. Water deeply 2–3 times weekly in summer; reduce in winter. 

 Mulch:

• Apply sugarcane mulch or straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 

 Fertiliser:

• Use a half strength liquid seaweed or compost tea monthly.
• Avoid high nitrogen to preserve flavour. 

Tip: Use drip irrigation in dry regions to conserve water.

Maintenance 

 Pruning:

• Pinch tips regularly to encourage bushy growth. Remove flowers to prolong leaf production. 

 Containment:

• Trim roots annually in pots; use metal edging in gardens. 

 Pests/Diseases: 

• Aphids/Spider Mites: Spray with neem oil. 
• Mint Rust (common in humid zones): Remove infected leaves; improve airflow. 
• Powdery Mildew: Avoid overhead watering; treat with milk spray (1:10 milk:water). 

Harvesting 

 When:

• Harvest leaves once plants are 15cm tall. Morning is best for peak oils. 

 How:

• Snip stems above a leaf node to encourage regrowth. 

 Preservation:

• Airdry leaves or freeze in ice cubes for year round use. 

Tip: Avoid harvesting more than 1/3 of the plant at once.

 Troubleshooting 

Yellow Leaves:

• Overwatering or poor drainage. Add perlite to soil. 

 Leggy Growth:

• Insufficient sun—relocate to a brighter spot. 

 Bolting (flowering):

• Caused by heat stress.
• Provide afternoon shade in summer. 

Companion Planting 

Mint repels pests but can overpower nearby plants. Pair with: 

• Tomatoes (deters aphids). 
• Cabbage (repels cabbage moths). 
• Nasturtiums (trap crop for aphids). 

Warning: Keep mint away from parsley or chamomile.

Container Growing Tips 

• Use pots with drainage holes. 
• Repot annually with fresh soil. 

 Place pots on patios to deter ants and flies.