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Mint (Mentha) comes from the Near East and the regions around the Mediterranean. There it grows on river banks and on damp meadows.
If you only think of peppermint tea, you only get a small part of the possible uses of the diverse plant. It is medicinal herb and herb at the same time, forms the basis for cold and warm drinks and gives salads, desserts and sauces a special taste. With good care, the plant thrives on the balcony.
Mint or Peppermint?
Both terms are often used interchangeably. Peppermint is just one of around 30 known types of European mint. The main difference is in the taste. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) has been known as a medicinal plant since the 17th century. It was probably created by chance as a cross between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata. It is rich in essential oils and is used as a medicinal plant to relieve colds, headaches and stomach problems. The peppermint flowers do not form seeds. Therefore, the plant can only be propagated by division or cuttings.
More mints
Spearmint, pineapple mint, caraway mint and ginger mint do not contain menthol. They are excellent for seasoning dishes. Chocolate mint and lime mint are favorites for refining desserts and ice cream.
chocolate mint
Mint for balcony or terrace
Mentha is ideal for planting in tubs and pots. Mid-May, after the ice saints, is the best time to plant mint plants in a suitable container.
vessel
Planters made of plastic, earthenware or ceramic that have a drain in the bottom are suitable for keeping on the balcony or terrace. The diameter of the planter should be at least 30 centimeters.
substrate
The popular plant makes only low demands on the nature of the soil. she should
- relaxed
- wet
- humorous
- slightly sandy
being. The plant prefers nutrient-rich soil. The soil temperature is decisive for the formation of the essential oils. Warm floors are ideal for the development of essential oils. However, the plant should not stand in the blazing sun for a long time, because too high a temperature of the substrate damages the plant.
Commercially available herbal soil is very suitable for the bucket. A combination of horn shavings, sand and compost is recommended.
Plant mint in pot
Cover the bottom of the planter with gravel or expanded clay. This drainage prevents waterlogging. Fill the plant pot halfway with the herb soil. Then insert the mint plant and fill in with soil. Finally, the little plant must be well watered.
danger: Freshly planted mint plants must not be fertilized.
location
Mint is one of the least demanding plants. It does well in partial shade and can tolerate sun. However, a location in the blazing sun is unsuitable. She likes it airy, but not too windy. Therefore, choose a sheltered location for cultivation on the patio.
multiply
Propagation is by dividing the plant, by root cuttings or cuttings. Head cuttings are formed from non-flowering fresh shoots.
If you have mint species growing in your garden, you will need to keep cutting back on the plants. Almost all varieties tend to rampant. Plants in tubs need to be divided again and again so that beautiful, strong plants can form.
Propagation by seeds
Various types of mint, e.g. B. the spearmint, you can also propagate by seeds. To do this, you need a shallow bowl filled with seed compost. The mint seeds are very small. It is therefore recommended to mix the seeds with fine sand and sow them evenly. After sowing, the seed must then be well moistened. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a sheet of glass. After about 14 days, the little plants will show up. You can plant them in individual pots when they are four to five centimeters tall.
pour
Soft water is suitable for watering, ideally rainwater. The plant needs to be watered regularly, but the soil can dry out a bit from time to time. Make sure that there is no waterlogging, so there should not be water in the coaster for a long time.
Fertilize
The potted plant requires regular fertilization due to the small amount of substrate. If you harvest mint leaves and want to make tea or use them for seasoning, you should completely avoid chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers such as:
- compost soil
- Guano granules or guano sticks
- horn shavings
- wood ash
Before the fertilizer can be absorbed by the plant, the microorganisms in the soil must become active. Dose the fertilizer according to the instructions, rather a little less than too much. Weekly fertilizing provides the mint with all the important nutrients.
Organic fertilizers are not immediately absorbed by mint plants. Rather, busy microorganisms first have to process the ingredients in such a way that they can be absorbed by the roots. The result is a permanent supply of all important nutrients and trace elements without the risk of over-fertilization. These organic fertilizers have proven themselves in the herb garden:
tip: If you want to enjoy a healthy plant for a long time, you should cut it back to 10 centimeters shortly before flowering.
repot
After two years at the latest, a plant pot is so deeply rooted that the mint plant should be repotted. Place the mint plant with the root ball in a container with water so that it can soak well. Choose the new bucket at least 10 centimeters larger than the one used previously. Then fill the new planter with drainage made of gravel. Add a mixture of herbal soil, sand and compost and plant the plant. Water the mint well after repotting.
pests and diseases
mildew
Unfortunately, the mint on the terrace is not immune to pests and diseases, even with the best care. Because it is often attacked by powdery mildew, a fungal infection. Powdery mildew initially appears as a white coating on the mint leaves. The leaves later turn brown and eventually dry up.
If you spot powdery mildew, remove any affected leaves. Mix milk and water in a ratio of 1 to 9. Use this to spray the plant and all neighboring plants.
aphids
Aphids also cause problems for the mint species in the pot. If you notice aphids, shower them with a strong jet of water, first from above and then upside down. Then mix a tablespoon of soft soap with a tablespoon of spirit and a liter of water. Spray this soap solution on the mint every two days until every last louse is gone.
hibernate
The mint overwinters in the pot. For this, it should be cut back thoroughly after the first frost. After pruning, cover the plant with fir branches and brushwood and then wrap the pot with bubble wrap or fleece. Your mint plant can now overwinter in the basement, in the gazebo or on the terrace. On frost-free days, the tub plant still needs some water.
Always fresh mint leaves, even in winter
If you don't want to do without the fresh mint taste in winter, you should choose varieties that can also thrive on the windowsill in the apartment in winter. For example, the Kentucky Spearmint variety is suitable.
Plant a few offshoots in a flower pot with nutrient-rich soil in late autumn. Then place the plant in a bright spot in the window. You can harvest mint leaves all winter long and enjoy the refreshing, soothing tea.
tip: The peppermint pot in the window fills your home with a wonderfully fresh scent.