Mint
Mentha spicata
Spearmint is the classic garden mint, producing bright green, crinkled leaves with a clean, sweet flavour essential for mint sauce, new potatoes, mojitos, and herbal tea. A vigorous perennial, it spreads rapidly by underground runners and will colonise entire borders if not contained. Small lilac flower spikes appear from July to September. Fully hardy and almost indestructible in UK gardens, mint thrives in conditions where many other herbs struggle.
How to grow mint
Always grow mint in a container to control its invasive spreading habit. A large pot, old bucket, or sunken container works well — anything that confines the roots. If planting in the ground, sink a bottomless pot or slate barrier at least 30 cm deep around the plant. Choose a spot with moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Unlike most herbs, mint prefers rich, damp conditions. Water regularly and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season. Harvest frequently by cutting stems above a leaf pair — this promotes bushy regrowth. Cut the whole plant back to ground level in autumn. Top-dress containers with fresh compost each spring and repot every two years, dividing the rootball to keep growth vigorous. Mint hybridises easily, so keep different varieties apart to preserve their distinct flavours.
Pruning
Cut the entire plant to ground level in autumn after foliage starts to brown. In midsummer, if plants become leggy, cut back by half to encourage a flush of fresh, flavourful leaves.
Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Root cuttings
- Stem cuttings in water (roots in days)
Common problems
- Mint rust (Puccinia menthae)
- Invasive spreading
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
Good companions
Related guides
How to Grow Mint in the UK
UK guide to growing mint in pots and containers. Covers varieties, propagation from cuttings, stopping mint spreading, and dealing with mint rust.
How to Grow Herbs in the UK
Complete guide to growing herbs in UK gardens. Covers the best herbs, growing from seed, container growing, harvesting, and preserving herbs year-round.
How to Create a Herb Garden in the UK
Plan and build a herb garden that suits your space and budget. Covers raised beds, containers, formal designs, and the best herbs for every UK position.