Mint is a snap to grow in your kitchen garden. However, there are a few things you need to know when it comes to watering mint to keep your plant healthy. This article has all the tips on how to water mint plants so they thrive for years to come.
Watering mint plants
Fresh mint leaves are delicious in sweet and savory dishes alike, and happily, this flavorful herb is easy to grow in your kitchen or garden.
If you’re thinking of adding mint to your garden, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a fairly easy plant to take care of.
When it comes to watering mint, you will find that it is pretty drought-tolerant and can even survive if you forget to water it for a week or so.
However, if you want your mint to thrive, it’s best to water it on a regular basis.
Water your mint plants about once a week, or more often if they’re growing in a pot. If the leaves start to look wilted, that’s a sign that the plant needs more water.
How often do you water mint?
Water mint weekly, or as required depending on the type of soil, where it is growing, and the climate.
The key to knowing how often to water mint, is that you are trying to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Adjust your watering accordingly, making sure that water flows to the bottom but doesn’t pool to the point of filling up the tray.
How to tell when your mint needs watering
For a quick check of soil moisture levels, stick your finger into the soil to a depth of around an inch. If it feels dry, it needs watering.
With experience, you will develop your own methods on how to test the soil moisture level and also develop a sense of how much water is needed each time.
Don’t be afraid to give your mint plant a good watering if you think it is dry, but at the same time, be careful not to keep it sodden for long periods. A well-draining pot is essential for growing mint.
How often to water mint indoors
An indoor mint plant with well-draining growing media should be watered moderately 1-2 times per week, year-round.
Check the soil moisture once or twice per week using the method outlined above. Then adjust the watering frequency as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, without either drying out or becoming waterlogged.
How often to water mint outdoors
Watering outdoor mint plants should take into account the season, temperature, sun, and winds.
During hot spells, you may need to water as often as twice a day. While in cool wet months, you may not need to provide any extra water at all.
Again you can check the moisture levels in the soil using the method described above and adjust the watering as needed.
How to water mint
Mint likes moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during dry spells.
Be careful not to overwater, though, as mint is susceptible to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering.
In direct sun, water the soil around the plant, not the plant itself, and avoid getting the leaves wet. Pouring water onto the plant in strong sun can lead to the plant getting sunburned.
Watering mint in pots
Potted mint needs to be monitored more frequently as the soil in pots can dry out quickly.
They can also remain waterlogged for long periods if it is not draining correctly. Water left standing in the bottom of the pot can lead to diseases or rotting roots.
Ensure that you plant your mint in containers with adequate drainage holes, and use a free draining potting mix. This allows any excess water to drain away, and helps to avoid overly soggy soil.
Also, try to make it a habit to regularly examine the bottom tray under your mint plant. Draining excess water from the tray will ensure that the soil in the pot is not becoming waterlogged.
Can you over water mint?
Overwatering mint can lead to waterlogged soil which can cause root rot or black stem rot to develop.
Signs of overwatering to look out for include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Drooping stems
- Development of mold or mildew on the leaves (and overwatered mint plant is more susceptible to diseases)
If you think you have overwatered your mint plant:
- Remove any parts of the plant affected by disease.
- Reduce the frequency and amount of water you are giving you plant
- Allow the mint to dry out more between waterings (check that the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry before giving more water)
Can you underwater mint?
Mint is a relatively drought-tolerant plant, however severe underwatering can affect the plant. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Plant wilting
- Leaves shriveled at the edges
- Lower leaves turning yellow
- The plant roots may start to grow up out of the soil in search of water
If you think you may have underwatered your plant, add soil to cover any surface roots, and give the plant a thorough watering.
Increase the frequency of watering, and check frequently to see whether the soil has dried out (see section above on how to tell when mint needs watering).
Final thoughts
Watering mint is easy, as this herb does not require a lot of water to survive. Mint growing indoors, or outdoors in pots needs monitoring and more frequent watering to ensure that it thrives.
Aim to keep the soil moist, and ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged following watering.
During hot summer days, you may need to water your mint more frequently to keep the soil moist.
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