Garden calendar for the kitchen garden - vegetables and herbs. See what to plant right now and for next month.

Growing Mint, also Garden mint

(Mentha spicata)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
							S	S	T	T

(Best months for planting Mint in Australia - temperate regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings.

Easy to grow. Grow in trays and plant out or start from cuttings. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21°C and 24°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 30 cm apart
Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Cut leaves from top with scissors.
Compatible with: Cabbages, Tomatoes

Mint leaf

Although mint can be grown from seeds, cuttings are a faster, more reliable option.
Cuttings can be planted directly when danger of frost is past. Mint can be grown in pots outdoors or indoors

Mint prefers damp, partly shaded areas and once established will grow for many years. Mint dies down in Winter and sends up new shoots in Spring.

Mint is a rampant grower and will take over a garden bed if not restrained.

One way to contain mint is to use an old bottomless bucket pushed into the ground. The mint won't be able to put its roots out sideways, so will take longer to spread. If grown in a pot, mint needs to be watered regularly to keep it healthy.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Mint

Mint adds a fresh flavour if chopped and sprinkled over salads. And is traditionally used mixed with vinegar and sugar to make mint sauce for lamb.

Your comments and tips

28 Jan 12, z. watts (Australia - arid climate): I spray with pyrethrum once a week. It's from a plant and non toxic to mammals.
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27 Jan 12, Angela (Australia - temperate climate): Hi. I have a type of white bug/flies on my mint. Does any one know how to get rid of them naturally without spraying chemicals on them? Thanks!
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04 Nov 11, Mohan (Australia - temperate climate): Rust is a type of Fungus caused by heavy rain and overhead watering. It cannot be cured and it is best to destroy the leaves. Please do not put it into the compost bin. Rust can be prevented by watering in the early morning. Apply water at the base of the plant, do not spray it on the plant
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03 Nov 10, Leanne (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Hi there My mint always seems to get a type of "rust" on it? Any idea what this might be caused by? Insect or lack of something? Cheers Leanne
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See planting calendar for these countries and climate zones

Australia - arid, Australia - cool/mountain, Australia - sub-tropical, Australia - temperate, Australia - tropical, New Zealand - cool/mountain, New Zealand - sub-tropical, New Zealand - temperate, South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical, South Africa - Humid sub-tropical, South Africa - Semi-arid, South Africa - Summer rainfall, United Kingdom - cool/temperate, United Kingdom - warm/temperate, USA - Central West Coast, USA - Maritime Northwest, USA - Mid-Atlantic, USA - North East, USA - South East and Gulf States, USA - South West, USA - Upper Midwest

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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