Mints in Garnethill

Mentha spp.

Mint
Mint · 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.

60 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Garnethill · last frost ≈ 22 Apr

Sow March to May, plant out May to June, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Mint

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. 01

    Sow Seeds

    8 Mar to 6 May

    Sow seed thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 8th March - 6th May and press it in lightly. Do not cover deeply, as mint seed needs light to get going.

  2. 02

    Pot On Seedlings

    27 Apr to 11 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 27th April, prick them out into small individual pots. Keep them just moist and grow them on in a bright place.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    25 May to 8 Jun

    Move plants into their final pots from 25th 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. 04

    Pinch Out Tips

    1 Jun to 29 Sept every 3 weeks

    From 1st June, 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. 05

    Water and Feed

    1 Jun to 29 Sept every 2 weeks

    Check the pot often from 1st June 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. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    27 Jul to 29 Sept every 2 weeks

    Start picking from 27th July once plants are well established. Snip shoots regularly from 27th July to 29th 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.

Mint guides by town

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