Mint rust remains in the soil for at least three years so don t plant other mints tarragon or chives in that spot after infection.
Growing mint outdoors.
Mints will grow readily in sun or part shade and some types even survive in shade though they may become leggy.
If you re growing potted mint plants outdoors check the pot daily during hot dry weather.
It can adapt to just about any type of soil but develops the best foliage in moist well drained soil that has been enriched with compost.
Avoid a very heavy soil make sure that the soil is well dug and if it is heavy then mix in some bark chippings or pea gravel.
Grow mint in containers of rich well draining soil amended with 1 3 organic matter such as aged compost.
This fast growing herb can grow just about anywhere and makes an excellent addition to indoor and outdoor gardens.
Quick guide to growing mint.
Where to plant mint.
That said mint isn t picky.
Strawberry pots can be great for this in which you can plant a different mint in each pocket.
Plants thrive in zones 3 11 depending on the variety.
Growing mint in pots outdoors pots that measure 8 inches or more in diameter and are 10 to 12 inches deep provide sufficient room for a mint plant.
Look for swollen stems with orange spots on the leaves.
Mint can tolerate a bit of dry soil but not long periods of drought.
One or two plants will easily cover the ground.
Dig up the plant and bin it.
Otherwise the mint.
Growing mint likes well drained nutrient rich moist soil with a ph between 5 6 and 7 5.
You can grow an entire pot full of different varieties of mint.
Plant mint in spring after the last frost.
Check plants regularly for mint rust.
Beg a runner from a friend or buy a small plant in the spring once the risk of frost has passed.
How to grow mint plants outdoors plant mint in full sun or part shade.
Space mint plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Photo by lorna kring.
It s best to grow them in pots to keep them from taking over your garden even if you re planting in the ground.
Keep the area around mint free of weeds.
Some of my favorites to grow in containers are ginger mint pineapple mint chocolate mint orange mint and apple mint because they are all low growing plants.
Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall.
Otherwise it looks untidy and the weeds may reduce yields and affect flavor.
Pinch the tips of mint regularly to promote bushier fuller growth.