Peppermint is one of the more common mint species. It is usually grown from seeds as an indoor houseplant before it is transferred out in the sun. Alternatively, they can also be grown directly into their permanent spot. They are relatively easy to grow and do not require much effort to take care. However, you should grow them in a confined space if you do not want them to spread all over the place as peppermint plants are very hardy perennials that grow very rampantly.
- The most important part of growing peppermint seeds is choosing a patch for it to grow. Choose a patch of confined space in which the growth of your peppermint plant can be easily controlled. The area must be partially sunny and partially shady. The best way to determine this is to have this peppermint patch facing a north wall and to confine the patch with border edging. Not only that, ensure that the patch is always moist and able to drain well. Also, the best time to grow peppermint is during spring.
- Next, sow the peppermint seeds approximately a quarter inch deep into the ground. If you have chosen your peppermint patch appropriately, you will not have to do anything else. However, ensure that the soil is constantly moist, but not wet by watering it whenever necessary.
- When the plants are approximately 2 inches tall, thin it out so that they will have more space to grow. This will ensure that your plant will grow healthily as a crowded area will not produce optimum results. The appropriate distance between two seedlings should be about a foot apart. This will ensure that each individual plant will have enough space to grow.
- Once the plants are about a foot tall, start harvesting them by picking the larger outside leaves to encourage more leaf growth. The bigger leaves are also more fragrant and easier to pick out than the smaller ones. The best time to harvest them is in the morning when the oils are strongest. Before using them, dry the leaves by spreading them out in a cool and ventilated area. After that, they can be stored in an air-tight container that is preferably placed away from other herbs as its strong, overpowering scent might be absorbed by other herbs.
Additional Reading:
http://www.gardenersnet.com/herbs/mint.htm
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/applesticker/5496650/
