How to Care for a Spearmint Plant

The spearmint plant has long been an herb garden staple. It is very hardy and has a number of practical uses, from cooking to treating common discomforts such as upset stomach and menstrual cramps. It is also a very fragrant herb; every part of this plant, from the flowers to the stem, has a sweet aroma that is pleasant when added to potpourri. It is so easy to grow spearmint that care must be taken to prevent it from becoming a nuisance, which is why it is most often grown as a container plant.

Things You'll Need

Spearmint plant
Potting soil
Sand

Liquid fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Plant spearmint in rich potting soil mixed with a small amount of sand and place the container in a location that receives equal parts sun and shade.
- 2
  Keep the soil evenly moist. Spearmint likes plenty of moisture, but be careful not to over-water as this can encourage fungal disease.
- 3
  Add a layer of mulch to prevent the soil from drying out and to help the roots stay cool.
- 4
  Feed once a month with liquid fertilizer to give spearmint an added boost of nutrition.
- 5
  Prune regularly to promote growth and keep the plants looking healthy.
- 6
  Prepare spearmint plants for winter by adding a fresh layer of mulch. Move the containers to a more protected area, such as a porch or covered deck. If your area has extremely cold winters it is a good idea to bring spearmint inside to a sunny windowsill until the cold weather has passed.
- 7
  Watch for signs of disease. While spearmint is fairly disease resistant, it is susceptible to rust, which is characterized by orange spots on the undersides of the leaves. Treat with organic garden dust if you suspect that your plants are affected.
- 8
  Re-pot spearmint when it begins to overgrow its container. You can either move the plant into a larger pot or divide and replant in the original container.

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