Tips on growing mint in your garden

All mints are part of the mint family, but not all are mints.

Common names can be quite confusing. The mint family is lamiaceae. Mints are the genus mentha, which is only a part of lamiaceae.

Therefore, plants like sage and rosemary are part of the mint family, but not mints.

Lamiaceae have square stems, are very aromatic and many can be used in cooking. Be sure of the Identification and edibility before using any plant. Some are grown for their flowers. Two familiar examples are the much-loved lavender and bee balm.

The genus mentha, which includes peppermint and spearmint, all tend to be aggressive spreaders. They spread underground. Where stems touch the ground, they can root. They spread by seed. Pollinators love flowers but be sure to deadhead them to prevent the spread of seed.

There are many fun varieties available such as chocolate mint, orange mint and apple mint. If you grow more than one type in your garden, they may cross-pollinate which is another good reason to deadhead.

It is best to keep mints (mentha) as container plants. In the garden, you can use sunken pots.

Mints (mentha) usually like composted soil, moisture, and tolerate some shade. Other lamiaceae prefer drier, less rich soils once established and full sun. Many lamiaceae can be grown indoors with proper lighting and humidity.

As said at the beginning, common names are confusing. But still, the mint family provides many wonderful additions to the home garden.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed tohomeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name, and phone number. Questions are answered weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website athttp://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.