How to Grow Mint (UK guide)
Renowned for its refreshing aroma, mint is easy to grow both in containers and borders. The leaves are ideal for tea, desserts and summer drinks. It spreads vigorously if unchecked, so is well-suited to pots.
How to Grow Mint in the UK
Mint is a tough perennial that thrives in moist, partially shaded sites. Its rapid growth makes it a culinary essential, but it can be invasive in the ground, so is best contained in pots or bottomless buckets.
Fresh Herbs
Vigorous, aromatic, excellent for pots
How to Grow Mint from Seed
- 01Fill a small seed tray with moist, good quality compost
- 02Sow mint seeds thinly on the surface and lightly cover with a fine layer of compost
- 03Place the tray in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sun
- 04Keep the compost moist at all times but never waterlogged
- 05Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into individual pots
- 06Harden off young plants before moving outside after the last frost
You will need
- 01Rich, moist but well-drained soil
- 02Part shade to full sun
- 03Space for spreading roots
- 04Regular watering
- 05Protection from extreme heat
Pinch to Promote Leafy Growth
Pinch out growing tips regularly to encourage bushier plants and higher leaf yield.
Plant Calendar
What Mint Needs to Thrive
Moist but free-draining soil
Mint dislikes overly dry or waterlogged ground. Maintain consistently moist compost without allowing roots to stand in water.
Partial shade
Mint thrives best out of intense afternoon sun, especially during hot spells.
Container-friendly environment
Given its invasive habit, mint is ideal for pots or spaces with root barriers.
Frequent pinching or harvesting
Regular picking encourages bushy growth and prevents flowering, keeping leaves at their best.
Mint FAQs
Harvest mint leaves regularly throughout the growing season, ideally once a week when plants are actively growing. Picking shoots encourages bushy growth; avoid stripping any stems entirely.
Choose a pot at least 30cm wide with drainage holes. Use a multi-purpose compost mixed with added grit or perlite for drainage, and keep the soil moist but not sodden.
Mint benefits from a monthly feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season, but avoid high-nitrogen feeds as these encourage soft growth susceptible to pests.
Mint can be troubled by mint rust (orange spots on leaves), aphids, and slugs. Keep plants tidy, remove affected stems and avoid overcrowding to reduce risk.
