Growing Mint

Grow Your Own Mint

Mint is one of the most useful and prolific herbs you can grow in your home garden. Its versatility makes it a plant that is lovely in teas, desserts, and even hygiene products, and it can refresh, perk you up and give your breath a fresh boost. Mint is one of the oldest and most popular herbs that is grown around the world. There are many different varieties of mint, each having its own subtle flavour and aroma. The growing process itself advances quite quickly and it is a joy to watch your own mint plants grow in such a short time but it will take over your garden, so be careful where you plant it.

Few Varieties Of Mint

• There is a huge variety of mint available, with all sorts of different flavours from Apple mint and Eau De Cologne mint, through to Lemon mint, Pepper mint and even Chocolate mint.
• Spearmint is a general all-purpose variety and is mostly used in cooking.

Planting Mint

• For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants (or one or two cuttings from a friend) about 2 feet apart in moist soil. 
• One or two plants will easily cover the ground. 
• Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall.
• In the garden, plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes.
• If you don't want an entire bed of mint, buy some plants or take some cuttings from a friend and plant them in containers filled with potting mix enriched with compost. 
• Remember to keep the plants in a sunny spot.
• Feed monthly whilst growing with a general purpose liquid feed.
• Mint is a perennial and will die back over winter, coming back to life in the spring.

Care

• Minimal care is needed for mint. For outdoor plants, use a light mulch. This will help keep the soil moist and keep the leaves clean.
• For indoor plants, be sure to water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Harvesting And Storage

• Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground. You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season.
• You can also just pick the leaves as you need them.
• You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter. 
• You can also freeze the herbs whole or chopped, without blanching; if you wash them, be sure to dry them thoroughly. 
• If you want to dry them, it's best to cut the leaves right before flowering. 
• Store the dried leaves in an airtight container.

Few Health Benefits Of Mint

• Eases Digestion- Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion, due to its typical aroma. It also soothes stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation etc. This aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Thus it is extensively used in culinary.
• Respiratory Disorders, Cough etc- The strong aroma of mint is very effective in opening up congestion of nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, giving relief in respiratory disorders resulting from asthma, cold etc. As it cools and soothes throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it gives relief in cough too. Many balms are based on this property of mint. Unlike other inhalers which are based on aerosols, those based on mint are more effective and eco-friendly too.
• Curing Asthma- Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and gives relief in congestion. But, over dosage may irritate as well.
• Skin Care, pimples etc- While mint oil is a good anti septic and anti pruritic, mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, cures infections, itching etc, and is also good for pimples. Its anti pruritic properties can be used for treating bites of insects like mosquitoes, honey-bees, hornets, wasps, gnats etc.
• Oral Care- This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breathe freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.
• Treating Cancer- Current researches show that certain enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer.

Mashed Potatoes with Peas and Mint Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 
1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 
5 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups cooked peas
• 1 tablespoon mint, finely chopped

Directions:

• Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes until fork tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. 
• Remove the pan from the heat and drain.
• Place the potatoes back in the pot and return to the heat. 
• Stir the potatoes, constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes to dehydrate the potatoes. 
• Remove the potatoes from the heat and add the peas.
• Add the butter. Using a hand held masher, mash the butter into the potatoes.
• Add cream and milk. The potatoes should still be sort of lumpy. 
• Add the mint and stir well. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.
• Serve hot