"Garden mint and how to grow it..."

Mint does well in just about every position and every type of soil. However, as it likes to have fairly moist roots to produce lots of leaf, partial shade and sun would be ideal.

Give a thought to space. It likes to grow and grow and can be invasive if not checked. Grow a small clump next to the back door, or use as a border for your herb or vegetable plots. Mint has a lovely presence in the garden. The strong smell deters some insects and will refresh and invigorate your morning stroll around the garden - plant mint where you can always rub a few leaves and fill the air with the mint aroma, or collect a few for the kitchen...

Mint can be used in tisanes, added to hot chocolate or cocktails, and made into a traditional mint sauce.

Once you have positioned your plants and put them in the ground, water and forget about them!

Unless your soil is unusually poor, garden mint will not need feeding. A couple of feeds during the growing season will help to produce more leaf but it is rarely needed.

You won't need to water mint unless the plant has been in full sun in severe drought conditions. A little mulch around the base of the plant will help keep moisture in if necessary.

Keep picking leaves and stems as and when you need them. As with most herbs, the more you pick, the more they grow!

Garden mint, once established, will grow back year after year. A couple of small cuttings planted ten years ago has grown into a solid mint patch in our garden and never needs any attention!

NB: If you are growing mint in containers you will need to water regularly as the soil will dry out and the roots will have nowhere to go for nourishment.

Storing garden mint:

Ideally garden mint should be used fresh off the plant, but it can be stored successfully.

Cut as much as you need just before the plant starts to flower; this will probably be mid to late summer depending on your region. Leave about 3 inches of stalk in the ground.

Drying:

Hang upside down in small bunches in a dark airy place free from damp. When very dry, crumble and store in an airtight jar. Or, if you have the space, dry leaves and stems on racks. Keep dust free and turn regularly until completely dry. Some smell and taste is lost during drying.

Use as tea or sprinkle a little in everyday meals.

Freezing:

Freeze whole stalks or individual leaves quickly on trays, and then store in freezer in sealable plastic bags or other containers. Remember to label. A single small mint leaf frozen in individual ice cube blocks is a perfect addition to a summer cocktail or a long lemonade.

Preserving:

What would roast lamb be without mint sauce?!

Chop fresh leaves into very small pieces. Use a grinder or food blender if you have one - it's a lot faster. Mix with malt vinegar ( apple cider vinegar can also be used if preferred ). Taste. Add a little sugar if needed and store in airtight glass jars. Label and date.

Garden mint preserved in vinegar will last indefinately. But if you have fresh mint coming up every year in your garden, don't give yourself too much extra work. Make what you will use during the winter months, then dry or freeze the rest.

When the mint comes up next year there will be another fresh supply!

Garden mint Uses:

Medicinal:

Mint has been used as an aid to digestion throughout the cultures and for many generations. A cup of mint tisane after your meal will help your body digest food gently and efficiently.

It is also a useful medicine against colds and flu.

NB: As with all herbs, mint should be taken in moderate doses. One or two wineglasses of mint tisane a day is generally sufficient to keep a healthy balance!

Mint can clear a fuzzy headache. Simply rub the leaves and breathe in the fresh minty smell. Guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs.

Culinary:

Garden mint can be made into a traditional sauce to serve with meats,

added to rich chocolate desserts,

and infused to make refreshing mint tisanes.

Happy Gardening!

More "Mint" Reading

www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/gardenmint.html