Mint Time In the Herb Gardens

My mints are trying to take over! I have 5 varieties of mint: Wild, chocolate, orange, spearmint and peppermint that are loving all the moisture we have been getting. Luckily, I planted them all in ice cream buckets, they are safely contained in a small area, so I can lift them out this fall and keep them from growing everywhere. Have you tried to grow any of the special mints this year? I would love to try some lime scented or cotton candy mint. There are dozens of varieties; all would taste great in teas. If you are planting mints, keep these things in mind:

• Contain the roots - Grow mint where you like, just keep the roots in a pot, so the plant can't take over your yard.
• Keep it moist - Mint loves water. From a pretty glass on a windowsill, to a spot next to your water feature in the garden, mint will love being moist and well watered on a regular basis.
• Separate varieties -If keeping mint pure is your goal, plant them at least 30 feet apart, or keep them vigorously pinched back. Don't let them go to flower, or the pollination will happen and your chocolate mint will no longer taste like chocolate.

Growing mint is so easy. It doesn't need much sun at all, loves to be overwatered, and will keep coming back again and again. Just be certain to make it behave, or you may find that you have mint cropping up forever, anywhere you have a place for it to take hold.