Mint

When planting mint, do not mix it with other herbs, because it takes over space very quickly and the others struggle to survive. It is best to give it its own pot, where it can grow freely and fast. The mass growth of the plants in spring begins when the average daily temperature stays at 10-12°C for two weeks. Mint does not tolerate shading — the leaves drop and the yield decreases. Air and soil humidity are very important for the plant, so there must be a possibility for watering.

Heat requirements: During dormancy mint tolerates low temperatures relatively well. After the buds on the rhizomes sprout it becomes more sensitive to low temperatures. For its development from sprouting to flowering, mint requires a temperature sum of 1500 to 1600°C. At an average daily temperature of 18-19°C this sum is reached in 80-100 days. Higher temperatures favour the accumulation of essential oil, the optimum being 22-25°C. However, very high temperatures lower the percentage of essential oil due to resinification and evaporation, and reduce its quality.

Light requirements: Sweet mint is a long-day plant. For normal development it requires day length of not less than 12 hours. When the day shortens to 8, 9 and 10 hours it does not form buds or flower, and its lower branches turn into stolons. Because of its high light requirements, mint should be planted on its own and in sunny places.

Moisture requirements: Mint is a moisture-loving plant. Providing high soil moisture through irrigation is extremely important for obtaining high yields. Drought during any phase of development leads to a sharp drop in yields.

Soil requirements: Mint develops best on light, water-permeable soils rich in organic matter, such as river-valley alluvium, drained meadow-bog soils, and typical and slightly leached chernozems. Sandy soils poor in organic matter are unsuitable because they dry out quickly, so the plants suffer from drought and must be watered often. The soil should not compact and form a thick crust (seen with light structureless soils), nor retain excess moisture (seen with heavy clay soils). The highest yields are obtained on soils with a slightly acidic to neutral reaction (pH 5-7).

Care of the mint plantings during the growing season consists of soil cultivation, feeding, irrigation, and controlling diseases, pests and weeds. Care of two- and three-year-old plantings: in March, at the first opportunity, the areas are cleared of plant residue left from the last mint regrowth, and are fertilized.