Having a sprig of mint handy at all times is a great idea. In addition to being tasty, mint is known to promote smooth digestion and help reduce swelling in the body. This popular and fast-growing herb can provide calming relief when you get a sinus infection, and it can alleviate some cold symptoms. This is because mint carries an antiviral component that can soothe you when you’re under the weather. An additional benefit is that it can freshen your breath. It's the wonder plant that can do it all, and it can even be a delicious garnish for the right dish or drink!
If you don’t want to head to the store every few days to nab a few mint leaves, you should consider growing it at home. This herb can grow in your home if you apply a few basic practices. Here’s what you need to know about how to grow mint indoors.
How to root mint in water
Mint does not necessarily need soil to produce leaves — at least initially. If you’d like to know how to grow mint indoors using water alone, you’re in luck. This process is commonly referred to as plant propagation.
Step 1: Take a few cuttings of a mint plant and place them in a glass or jar — ideally one that’s clear for visibility.
Step 2: Add about an inch of water to the glass or jar and place the mint cuttings into it.
Step 3: The water should be changed every day, but at least once every three days.
Step 4: After about a week, the cuttings should being to sprout roots. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, transplant the cuttings to a pot with soil to allow the plant to continue to grow.
Step 5: After you plant the rooted cuttings, water the plant once or twice a day. Mint plants stay thirsty, so just be sure to give it a drink at least once a day, maybe two if it begins to wilt a bit through the day.
How much sun does a mint plant need indoors?
Your mint plant should not stay shaded all the time, so here's how to make sure it gets the light it needs for healthy growth.
Step 1: Place the mint plant in a window that gets about 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. A window box or windowsill would be perfect spots for the plant.
Step 2: If you are in a cooler season or the window you're using gets less direct light, rotate your plant as needed to ensure proper sun exposure.
When should you plant mint?
If you're growing your mint inside, there isn’t one particular season to grow it. Most people plant mint indoors in the late winter and place it near a window for sunlight. If your garden is outdoors, mid-spring is an excellent time to plant mint. Remember: The one time of year when a mint plant may struggle is around the first frost of fall. This is because the sunlight at that time of year is usually weaker, so your plant won’t receive the nourishment it needs.
Whether you like it in your tea or mojito or you use it as an extract for flavor, mint is a versatile plant to have on hand in the kitchen. When it comes to caring for this plant indoors, it is easier than you think. Just make sure your mint gets a minimum amount of direct sunlight daily along with good air circulation. If you’re growing it inside, mint is best placed on a windowsill or near a balcony ledge. Once you’ve followed these basic steps as outlined above, you’ll be able to enjoy the handy uses and pleasant aroma of mint around your kitchen every day.
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