By: Seth Batista
Mint (Mentha spp.) has over 19 different distinct different species (USF). Mint is one of the easiest and fast growing plants for beginners. Mint can quickly take over your garden, so in this post we will be discussing indoor mint plant care. Mint is also a perennial that produces new foliage all year long if the stems are not killed by frost (SAVY GARDENING). Mint is also a very hardy plant that can resist the cold very well. The typical temperature mint thrives in is 60-70 degrees.
source: Seth Batista
Propagation and Potting
Propagating mint plants is very easy and enlightening. If you already have access to an outdoor mint plant you can dig a little section of the plant and repot it to bring it inside or you can collect a clipping and let it propagate in water for 3-4 days until roots start developing. (TraditionalCookingSchool)
If the roots are not yet developed on the fourth day, changing the water can aide in root development since it refreshes the oxygen in the water. Once the roots are developed, you can pot it. Since mint grows so quick, it must be placed in a pot at least 10″ in diameter. When choosing a pot make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom.
Source: Seth Batista
Routine Care
For my plants I typically use a diluted neem oil mixture that I spray every 2 weeks. Just double check proper usage of neem oil since it can harm the plant if improperly used. I use this as an eco-friendly version of pest-control for my plant. For routine watering, water the mint plant once or twice a week or when the first 1-2″ of soil is dry. Mint also thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
This is neem oil mixture I love and use:
Drying and Brewing
Once the mint plant is thriving and there are enough leaves available; you can now dry them and make tea! There are other ways to use fresh mint and dried mint, but in this post I am focusing on brewing dried tea! You will need to pluck about 1/2 cup of mint leaves in order to brew a 6-8oz cup of tea. When you are ready to dry the mint, you could either tie bunches of mint and hang them in a warm, dry place that is out of direct sunlight. Or, you can place them in a dehydrator around 100 degrees for 1-4 hours.
dried crushed mint
Source: Seth Batista
The way I chose to do it was placing them in the oven and setting it to the lowest temperature possible (150-200 degrees). After they are in the oven every 15-30 minutes flip the leaves to promote even drying; after 1-2 hours the leaves should be dry and brittle. You then crush the leaves or grind them up and place them and a tea bag to steep!