10 Reasons to Grow Mint (Without Fear) (2024)

Mint has a bad reputation for taking over the garden, for good reason. But, there are many reasons to grow mint in your backyard without fear!

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Here are some tips for growing and using mint:

Even though mint is a highly beneficial plant, due to its spreading nature, many of us opt to just go without it all together.

The problem with doing this is that the mint wins.

Seriously, though. We humans are definitely smart enough to outwit the mint, making it possible to enjoy all of its benefits.

Mint is a tasty plant, and there are all kinds of delicious recipes that use mint. Mint is also a powerful medicinal herb.

There are many different varieties of mint such as peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, and apple mint, all with similar growing habits.

There are also other plants that are in the mint family that grow with abandon such as lemon balm, bee balm, and catnip that can be included in this discussion as well.

10 Reasons to Grow Mint (Without Fear) (2)

Don’t fear growing mint in your garden! Here’s why.

Mint Can Only Move So Fast

The truth of the matter is that mint is a plant, and while it can and will most definitely spread, it takes some time for this to happen.

I would steer clear of planting mint in or anywhere near your regular garden beds, as it will eventually try to take over.

It’s a great plant for a rocky herb garden, a neglected corner of your yard, or a high traffic area.

This is a mint plant that is just starting to spread after one year in the ground.

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Mint will spread from its underground roots, and can cover great distances and go under obstacles to get to where it wants to go, so keep that in mind when planting.

But, this won’t happen overnight, although it may sometimes seem like it. Just keep a close eye on it and harvest any new plants that you don’t want.

Mint Can Be Contained

Probably the best way to grow mint is in a container. This will ensure that it will stay where you want it, without any worry of garden takeover.

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If grown in a pot, it tends to get a little sparse and scraggly looking after a couple of years. It never seems to do as well as mint grown in the ground, probably because it really doesn’t like being contained!

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Since the rhizomes that cause the mint to spread don’t go very deep, it’s also possible to plant mint in a raised bed without worrying too much about it jumping ship.

It will try and take over the raised bed, however, so make sure to plant other things that can keep up with it.

Other hardy perennial herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme can usually tolerate the aggressive nature of mint, especially if they are already established.

You Can Take as Much Mint as You Please (& then some)

The best part about growing a plant that is as aggressive as mint is that you can be just as aggressive back at it without worry of harming it. You can cut handfuls of mint at a time without any damage done.

See a mint plant that is growing where you don’t want it? Chop it down or pull it out and turn it into something delicious. Or cut large bundles of mint and hang to dry for use in the winter months.

Mint Grows Well in the Shade

If there is a shady area of your yard that you have trouble growing things in, try planting mint. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some shade, and it will probably keep it from spreading as quickly.

Regardless, I would still take the necessary precautions so that you don’t get a complete mint takeover (unless that’s what you want, of course).

Mint Can Grow from Cuttings

Mint is super easy to propagate from cuttings and will readily re-root itself. You can cut out mint where you don’t want it, put it in water until it grows some roots, then transplant it where you do want it.

In fact, you don’t even have to put it in water first as it will root right in soil. Do it as a science experiment with your kids, or root a bunch of cuttings, pot them up, and give away to friends.

Mint is the gift that keeps on giving (and giving)!

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You Can Completely Ignore Mint (& it won’t feel bad)

Let your mint grow and do its thing, then take from it as much as you want, and it will still thrive. Don’t worry about watering or fertilizing it. Really, it will grow without any inputs.

Unless you’re trying to naturally thin it out, it may like a little water from time to time, but it will honestly be okay if you literally ignore it for months on end.

Mint is a great plant for lazy gardeners!

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Mint Attracts Beneficial Insects (& Repels the Bad Ones)

Let your mint go to flower and it will attract bees, beneficial wasps, hoverflies (aphid eaters), and tachinid flies (parasitic on nasty bugs).

The smell of the mint plant will also repel houseflies, cabbage moths, ants, aphids, squash bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and even mice. Not a bad deal, if you ask me!

Mint is Good for Your Pets

Chickens love fresh herbs and mint is no exception. The best part is that it’s also great for them and their coop. It keeps bugs, flies, and parasites at bay, as well as being an antioxidant and digestive aid for your flock.

Be sure to plant lots of mint (as well as other herbs) in and around the coop and run for chickens to nibble on daily.

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Mint is also great for cats and dogs. Catnip is actually in the mint family, and is a favorite herb for kitties as well as humans.

While cats and dogs probably shouldn’t eat a whole lot of mint in one sitting, a little bit is great for them. It is a natural flea repellent, and I often see Cosmo the kitty rubbing up against the mint plant.

Mint is Good Food

Of course, mint is an awesome culinary herb! Cut it from the garden with abandon to make all kinds of delicious mint recipes. I particularly like to make tea with it, hot or iced!

Check out my very favorite teapot for making herbal tea here.

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Turn it into mint pesto or add it to your favorite homemade cookies, brownies, or this decadent sounding fresh mint cake with with dark chocolate mint frosting.

Get creative and make mint infused honey, a gallon of mint wine, or chocolate mint extract.

This rhubarb mint jam sounds delicious, so does this traditional mint sauce for lamb. You can also just simply chop it up and add to salads or use it as a garnish.

Have a mint julep,mojito party, or raspberry mint infused wine, you deserve it!

See my post on 80+ Mint Recipes for more great ideas on how to use your mint!

Mint is Good Medicine

Mint is also an amazing medicinal herb. It is well known as a digestive aid and breath freshener, and is also good for an upset stomach.

Peppermint is especially great for headaches, and the essential oil can be rubbed on the temples for relief.

It can be helpful for seasonal allergies, and can also be added to body care products like salves and lip balms, soaps, shampoo bars, and lotions.

If you’re interested in learning more about herbal medicine, check out the awesome online courses from the Herbal Academy!

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Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bars

Still too scared to grow mint but want to enjoy all of its benefits? Order high quality, organic dried peppermint or spearmint from Mountain Rose Herbs (my favorite place to get organic dried herbs).

I hope this post has inspired you and given you some reasons to grow mint! It really is a versatile plant that we should not fear having in our yards. Here are some other great posts on how to use up lots of mint:

Do you grow mint in your garden? What is your favorite way to use it?

10 Reasons to Grow Mint (Without Fear) (2024)

FAQs

10 Reasons to Grow Mint (Without Fear)? ›

It is mainly known for filtering out formaldehyde, which is why it is commonly found in cleaning products and personal care products. Since the mother in law's tongue plant absorbs pollutants and releases oxygen at night, it can surely help fight allergies.

What are the 10 benefits of mint? ›

Health benefits of mint
  • Filled with nutrients.
  • Improved digestive health.
  • Boost your immune system.
  • Better brain function.
  • Support your pregnancy.
  • Reduce cold symptoms.
  • Keep your mouth healthy.
  • Help manage stress.
Sep 14, 2022

What is special about mint plant? ›

It is mainly known for filtering out formaldehyde, which is why it is commonly found in cleaning products and personal care products. Since the mother in law's tongue plant absorbs pollutants and releases oxygen at night, it can surely help fight allergies.

Why is mint so easy to grow? ›

Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring. Because mint tends to take over, many gardeners plant mint in a small pot and then plant that pot in the ground or inside a larger container. Mint flavors drinks from mojito to iced tea.

What is the secret to growing mint? ›

Mint is a hardy perennial that's not really worth growing from seed, as it's so easy to grow from root cuttings or young plants planted in the spring or autumn. It does best in well-drained, fertile soil in light shade, where the roots will stay moist but never become waterlogged.

What are 4 uses for mint? ›

Toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints, and chewing gum are all commonly flavored with mint. In addition to freshening breath, mint adds flavor to foods and drinks – everything from ice cream and tarts to lemonade and cocktails to meat dishes (especially lamb).

What are some fun facts about mint? ›

With its fresh scent hard to miss, mint was no doubt one of the earliest herbs discovered. One drum of oil (weighing about 400 pounds) can be used to flavor approximately 5 million sticks of chewing gum or 400,000 tubes of toothpaste. The early Romans believed eating mint would increase intelligence.

Why is mint so powerful? ›

Mint is a particularly good source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for eye health and night vision. It is also a potent source of antioxidants, especially when compared to other herbs and spices.

What is growing mint good for? ›

That's not all mint is good for though. In the garden, the plant attracts beneficial insects and repels pests, including fleas, mosquitoes and mice.

What are the pros and cons of mint? ›

Pros and Cons of Mint
Pros of MintCons of Mint
Ease of useLack of investing features
Free to useIntrusive ads
Financial summaries and alerts via email or text messageProblems with account synchronization
Free credit score courtesy of EquifaxLack of bill pay feature
3 more rows

Does mint keep bugs away? ›

3: Mint. Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden. One thing to keep in mind when planting mint is that it is an invasive plant and will spread quickly. It is best to grow mint in containers when you have space limitations.

What are the cons of growing mint? ›

Problems with Growing Mint

Mint is best planted in containers or where roots are confined. Mint spreads quickly in open garden areas and will out-compete most garden plants. Once established it is very hard to eradicate.

Why do farmers grow mint? ›

Most commercial peppermint farmers grow peppermint mainly for essential oil, but they can supplement their income by harvesting a second cut that is unsuitable for essential oil. They harvest the fresh leaves during or just before full bloom (summer months -July in most areas of US).

Is mint toxic to dogs? ›

It is not safe for your dog to have mint. Products that contain mint may also contain xylitol, which is a type of sugar alternative sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Mint products such as gum, candy, and toothpaste can contain the toxic ingredient, xylitol.

Does mint grow aggressively? ›

The stolons of mint plants are some of the most aggressive in all the plant world. If you plant it in the ground, the first year you might wonder what all the fuss is about. The second year you find a few stray sprouts and by the third year it is climbing in the bedroom window.

Does mint attract anything? ›

Mint is an unusual plant in that it not only attracts beneficial insects, but repels many unwanted insects as well.

Is it okay to drink mint everyday? ›

While mint tea is generally considered safe for most people, excessive consumption may potentially lead to some negative effects. For instance, it may cause heartburn or an allergic reaction in some individuals.

How much mint leaves should I take a day? ›

There's no “one size fits all” answer to how much mint is safe daily. Most people tolerate moderate amounts well, whether sprinkled on salads, brewed into tea, or used as a culinary accent. However, exceeding this moderate intake can trigger side effects in some individuals. Remember, moderation is key.

Can we drink mint water daily? ›

You can drink refreshing mint water all day to stay healthy and hydrated. You may also notice improvements in your digestive system if you favor mint water over other higher calorie beverages. Try making your own mint water at home to see what you think of this refreshing, low calorie drink.

What mint does for the body? ›

Mint's health benefits range from improving brain function and digestive symptoms to relieving breastfeeding pain, cold symptoms and even bad breath. You really can't go wrong adding some mint to your diet.

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