Prune Early and Often
Mint is known to be an "invasive" plant, meaning that, if you let it, it will take over wherever you plant it. To help keep it under control, it's important to cut it back often. Harvest mint before watering or during dry weather.
Growing for Leaves
Once mint goes to seed (when flowers start to form), the leaves lose some of their flavor. To delay flowering, pinch plants back from the tips down:
New shoots will grow on either side of the cut, which will form roots once they touch the ground, sending out even more runners (see why pruning is so important?):
Growing for Flowers
Mint plants are great pollinator attractors in general, but even more so when they 'go to seed' and begin growing flowers. These flowers will eventually die off and leave hundreds of seeds behind for you to plant, save, or swap. To promote flowering, prune leaves from the bottom and side of branches, leaving the tops in tact:
Be careful not to damage the stem when pinching leaves off from the sides. Pruning shears will give you the cleanest cuts, but a good ol' thumbnail works, too.
Preserving
If not using immediately, mint can be dried and stored for up to one year in an airtight container. Air-drying herbs is the best way to retain essential oils, which are imperative for maximum flavor.
The most important part of herb drying is airflow. Trays made specifically for herb drying typically have a tightly woven wire or mesh screen where herbs are placed in a single layer until completely dry.
Alternatively, line a cooling rack with paper towels or a clean cotton/linen flower sack towel and place herbs on top to dry. The towel allows the underside of the leaf to breathe. Brush off any dirt that may be on the leaves before drying (this is where harvesting in dry weather comes in handy).
Mint will take about two weeks to air-dry. Pull leaves off of stems or rip in half to dry faster (mint dried on the stem will retain more flavor and nutrients, so keep that in mind). Make sure to allow as much time as necessary; any excess moisture will cause the entire jar to mold or spoil. Once leaves are completely dry, store in a clean airtight container such as a mason jar or spice jar.
Return the unused stems to the garden or compost bin, or save for use in stocks. When using dried mint in place of fresh mint in recipes, reduce the amount by half.
Read up on how to care for mint here. For information on preserving mint, please check out our complete Preserving Herbs guide.
Read up on how to care for mint here. For information on preserving mint, please check out our complete Preserving Herbs guide.
