How to Grow Mint Indoors

Mint thrives indoors in a bright, cool spot with good air circulation, away from both all-day harsh sunshine and deep shade. This herb prefers slightly moist compost, a pot of its own and regular harvesting, as each properly made cut encourages fresh shoots and more fragrant leaves.

Where is the best place to keep mint?

The ideal position is beside a well-lit window, where the plant receives strong light for several hours daily. A window with gentle morning sun generally works better than a very hot sill exposed to intense direct afternoon sunshine.

In a flat, mint usually does well in a bright kitchen, a sheltered balcony or an area near glazed doors. If its stems become long, thin and widely spaced, the plant is probably getting less light than it needs.

How much light and water does mint need?

Mint copes with bright indirect light and a few hours of direct sun, but it loses vigour in a dark corner. Indoors, a practical aim is to provide 4 to 6 hours of intense brightness each day, turning the pot occasionally so it grows evenly.

A few signs can help you adjust its care:

• wilted leaves and dry compost indicate insufficient water;
• yellow leaves and permanently wet soil point to overwatering;
• excessively long stems suggest inadequate light;
• small leaves with little fragrance indicate low light levels;
• mould on the surface signals poor ventilation or excessive moisture.

How should you water mint without weakening it?

Mint needs consistent moisture, yet it cannot tolerate waterlogged roots. Water when the top layer of compost starts to dry out, keeping it moist to the touch but never saturated.

Potted mint needs drainage holes and a saucer that is always free of standing water. A light compost rich in organic matter, with good moisture retention, keeps the leaves fresh without creating conditions that encourage root rot.

How can you stop mint spreading into other pots?

Mint spreads through its roots and trailing stems, so it should not share a container with delicate herbs. Even indoors, it can fill all available space and compete for water, light and nutrients.

To keep it under control, follow these steps:

• grow mint in a pot of its own;
• avoid shared planters with basil, parsley or rosemary;
• prune stems that begin to trail over neighbouring pots;
• divide the plant once the pot becomes too crowded;
• replace part of the compost when growth becomes weak.

How do you harvest mint to make it bushier?

Proper harvesting involves cutting the tips of the stems just above a pair of leaves. This encourages the plant to produce side shoots, making the pot denser and preventing a leggy appearance.

The most fragrant leaves develop when mint gets sufficient light, the right amount of water and regular pruning before it flowers. In a separate pot by a bright window, with moist but not waterlogged compost, it will grow abundantly and retain a strong aroma for teas, juices and fresh recipes.