Mint will take over your whole garden if left unattended. That natural vigor makes this hardy perennial a great herb for beginning gardeners - or for anyone who loves mint. This invasive plant spreads by runners and seed is best grown in containers to limit its ability to spread .There are many types of available including ginger mint, spearmint, peppermint, and pennyroyal. Plants grow from 1-39in. (3-10c)

Ideal Location- Light shaded area with moist but not waterlogged soil.

Cultivation- Sow seeds in warm, rich, moist well-draining soil, 1/4 in. (65mm) deep. Thrives in partly shady locations with plenty of moisture and spreads voraciously. Allow 12 to 18 in.(30-45cm) between plants. Do not dress the soil with too much organic matter or fresh manure, as this will cause rust problems Add a medium-fertility soil improver when planting or dividing. Cut to the ground level in autumn. Divide every 2-3 years. To propagate, take root cuttings or divide established plants.

Known Pests- Spider mites, loopers, flea beetles, root borers, grasshoppers, cutworms, root weevils.

Known Diseases- Verticillium wilt, mint rust, mint anthracnose
 

Harvesting - Mint is a tough plant and can be harvested as soon as it comes up in the spring. Young, tender leaves and stems are more flavorful than older ones. Best used fresh, as mint loses potency quickly.
 

Uses- Mint is used as an aromatic, in cosmetics, as a culinary herb, and for medicinal purposes. Fresh or dried leaves scent sachets and potpourris. They also are used in herbal water to refresh and cool skin, in facials to cleanse skin, and in lotions. Mint flavors candy, gum, teas, mint water, vinegars, jellies, and sauces.

Peppermint is much more effective as a medicinal herb than Spearmint, which is mostly a culinary herb. However, use spearmint in place of peppermint in cases of digestive problems or colic in very small children, as peppermint may be a bit too strong.

Mint has properties related to soothing toothaches, indigestion, stomach cramps, menstrual cramps, flatulence, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and colic in children. Make a tea out of fresh or dried leaves for a tasty and refreshing after-dinner stomach soother. For the younger crowd, it can also be heated with milk for the same effect and they will like it.