Mint Common (Mentha spicata), also known as spearmint or garden mint, is a versatile and easy-to-grow perennial herb. It’s famous for its fresh, sweet aroma and bright green, serrated leaves. Mint grows vigorously, spreading via underground runners, and can form a dense mat of foliage. Its cooling flavour makes it a staple in cooking, from sauces for lamb to refreshing summer drinks like mojitos. It’s also used in teas, desserts, and salads.
Care Tips:
- Position: Mint loves a spot with full sun to part shade. In hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Containment: Because of its vigorous and invasive nature, it’s best to grow mint in a pot or a contained garden bed to prevent it from taking over the rest of your garden.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Mint dislikes drying out completely.
- Pruning: Regularly harvest sprigs of mint to encourage new, bushier growth and to keep the plant’s spread in check. If the plant becomes leggy, you can cut it back hard to the ground to rejuvenate it.
- Pests & Diseases: Mint is generally hardy, but watch out for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and fungal diseases such as rust.
