How to Fertilize Mint

Mint grows as a hardy perennial in most climate zones. The plants spread profusely during the summer, so it's best to plant them in a sunken pot or confined garden bed. Mint doesn't require a high amount of fertilizer if you plant it in rich, well-drained soil. Too much fertilizer can prevent the plant from producing the oils that make the leaves flavorful. A once yearly application, beginning when you originally plant the mint and reapplied each spring, provides enough nutrients for the mint to remain healthy.

Composted manure
16-16-8 fertilizer
16-16-16 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Spread 2 inches of composted manure over the planting site before planting new mint plants. Compost provides nutrients and improves the drainage of the bed.
- 2
  Sprinkle ½ tsp. of a slow-release 16-16-8 fertilizer over each square foot of mint bed before you plant. Turn the fertilizer and compost into the top 6 inches of the bed. Plant the mint after adding the compost and fertilizer.
- 3
  Fertilize existing mint once yearly in spring as the plant begins putting on new growth. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of 16-16-16-blend fertilizer around each plant, but avoid applying the fertilizer directly to the stems or leaves.
- 4
  Irrigate the mint immediately following fertilization. Water dilutes the fertilizer, and so the plants are better able to absorb the nutrients.

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