Marvelous Mint - The Garden Thug

Mint can be used for tea, and in cocktails, some use it to flavor potatoes, in salads, and, in fact, the uses are endless if you include the medicinal applications as well. I find peppermint tea excellent for an upset stomach, and simply take a few leaves and steep it in boiling water.

I live in a dry, arid part of the United States and mint grows surprisingly well here as long as it gets enough water. Mint can spread uncontrollably, so you want to plant it where you can restrict its growth.

I made a huge mistake and planted four kinds of mint altogether in one large raised bed. Although they grew well, their flavors melded and I got a rather odd flavor in the end, understandable when you combine pineapple, chocolate, spearmint and catmint. All that being said, plant your mint in separate pots, or separate beds.  I’ve found, in this region, that morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sun is best. Mint likes well-draining soil as well.