Overview: Spearmint is the most common type of mint people can grow themselves. This plant has many uses such as flavouring in foods, cosmetics, essential oils and culinary. It’s one of the easiest herbs to grow and one or two plants will provide a ton of leaves if adequately taken care of!
Seed starting advice: Seeds should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in spring right after the last frost (Source) . This herb grows best in partial shade and adapts to any kind of soil but will produce a crazy amount in moist, well-drained soil.
Growing and Harvesting advice: Seeds should be harvested from late spring and mid-autumn before the shoots die back over winter. For the plant to reach its full potential, make sure the top ½ inch of soil is never dry, the plant always needs water! Since spearmint tends to spread a lot as it grows, pull off large chunks of the plant as it spreads so it doesn’t get overwhelmingly big.
Recipe for Refreshing Spearmint Tea
- 2 cups of water
- 15-18 fresh spearmint leaves
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey
- 2 lemon slices
- Chamomile flowers (optional)
- Bring water to a boil.
- Remove water from the heat and add in the spearmint leaves and chamomile flowers. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add honey to the pot and stir.
- Pour tea into mug and garnish with lemon slices.
Written by: Sam Lessick