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Herb
Mint

Mints in Barnhill

Mentha spp.

Mint is a hardy, vigorous herb that grows well in the ground or in pots across the UK. It spreads quickly, so containers or a contained bed are usually the easiest way to keep it under control.

Height60cm
SunlightPartial Shade
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Mint

Planting Calendar

Seed DirectLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PruneNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow mint in a pot to stop it spreading and to keep the flavour fresh. It suits a bright windowsill, patio, or sheltered spot outdoors.

  1. Sow Seeds

    27 Feb – 27 Apr

    Sow seed thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 27th February - 27th April and press it in lightly. Do not cover deeply, as mint seed needs light to get going.

  2. Pot On Seedlings

    18 Apr – 2 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 18th April, prick them out into small individual pots. Keep them just moist and grow them on in a bright place.

  3. Plant Out

    16 May – 30 May

    Move plants into their final pots from 16th May, using free-draining compost and a container with good drainage holes. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep the compost lightly moist while roots settle.

  4. Pinch Out Tips

    23 May – 21 Sept
    every 3 weeks

    From 23rd May, pinch out the growing tips regularly to keep plants bushy and delay flowering. If stems get leggy, trim them back lightly and the plant will usually reshoot.

  5. Water and Feed

    23 May – 21 Sept
    every 2 weeks

    Check the pot often from 23rd May and water whenever the compost starts to dry at the top. A light liquid feed every 14 days helps pots keep producing fresh growth.

  6. Harvest Leaves

    18 Jul – 21 Sept
    every 2 weeks

    Start picking from 18th July once plants are well established. Snip shoots regularly from 18th July to 21st September, taking a little and often so the plant stays leafy and does not flower too early.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Mint.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Mint to consider

Spearmint

A classic, sweet mint for tea, sauces, and salads. It is a strong grower and a good choice for pots.

Peppermint

A sharper mint with a strong menthol flavour. It grows well in a container and is best picked young for the cleanest taste.

Chocolate Mint

A milder mint with a hint of cocoa in the scent. It spreads just as freely as other mints, so keep it contained.

Also in nearby towns

See how Mint timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.