When to plant or sow Mint?

Mint thrives in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, including loam, clay, and peat-based types. It prefers consistently moist conditions, so avoid very free-draining or sandy ground. Choose your planting spot carefully: mint is famously invasive, spreading rapidly by underground runners. To contain it, plant in a large pot (at least 30 cm diameter) sunk into the border, or grow it in a dedicated bed where its vigour won't smother neighbouring plants. Plant mint from March to May, once the risk of hard frost has passed. If planting rooted cuttings or young plants, space them 70 cm apart to allow for their eventual spread. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, work in a handful of garden compost to improve moisture retention, and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly. If sowing seed, scatter thinly on the surface of moist compost in trays or modules indoors in early spring, as germination can be slow and erratic. Barely cover the seed with a fine layer of compost. Once seedlings are large enough to handle and outdoor temperatures are reliably above 10 °C, harden them off and transplant outdoors at the same 70 cm spacing. Immediately after planting, water generously and keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks while roots establish. A 5 cm layer of garden compost or well-rotted manure around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch clear of the stems to prevent rot.