Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Peppermint is a perennial from the mint family. It can be grown in gardens or on balconies. Mint has a pleasant menthol scent that refreshes. This is why it's used in beverages and in the form of teas. Fresh mint can be added to stuffings, cream cheeses, cottage cheese spreads, cocktails, yogurt, or to steamed vegetables.

How to Grow Mint

• The plant prefers sunny to partially shaded locations. The soil should be constantly moist. Protect it from wind. Never grow the plant next to chamomile. On the contrary, growing it with ornamental nettles leads to increased essential oil production.

• Sow seeds in a cold frame in March to April. In the second half of May, transplant to the final location.

• Mint is not demanding regarding soil. It thrives in constantly moist, well-draining soil. It also does well in humus-rich soil. If you're growing it in a container, provide good horticultural substrate designed for herbs or a universal one.

• Plants grown in beds don't need fertilizing, but those grown in containers should be fertilized. For better growth, it's possible to fertilize once a month with water-soluble fertilizer in the form of watering. A suitable fertilizer is, for example, Cererit.

• Mint is susceptible to mint rust disease. If this disease occurs, burn the entire plant.

• Harvest leaves as needed. Young leaves contain more essential oils and are more aromatic.