Mint planting methods and timing, which need to be determined according to the local environment and planting method
SummaryPlanting methods: The suitable soil is a mix of 1/3 humus soil and 2/3 garden soil. Water frequently in summer and control the amount of watering in winter. Mint needs full-day sunlight. Water propagation is generally used. The flowers are light purple. Planting time: The sowing method is generally planted in March-April or September-October each year. The rhizome method is generally planted in April and August each year. The division method requires waiting until the seedlings grow to 10-15cm before transplanting. The cutting method is generally between May and June each year.
Mint is a very widely used plant. It can not only be used as medicine, but can also be used to garnish food. Some friends also like to place it indoors to beautify their homes. However, many friends are still unclear about the specific planting methods and timing for mint. Let us take a look together below!
Mint planting methods
1. Soil preparation: Mint has a strong spreading habit, so it is generally recommended to plant it in flower pots, but the flower pot should not be too small, otherwise it will affect the later growth of mint. The soil is generally a mix of one third humus soil and two thirds garden soil.
2. Watering: In summer, it needs frequent watering, preferably once a day, because summer temperatures are very high and mint is a moisture-loving plant. However, note that the amount of watering should be controlled in winter.
3. Light: It is best to give mint full-day sunlight, because when mint encounters insufficient light, it will grow leggy, so mint must be placed in a place with sufficient sunlight.
4. Propagation: Potted mint generally uses water propagation, that is, cutting some branches and inserting them in water. Mint has a very strong rooting ability.
5. Flowering: When mint reaches its flowering period, it generally produces small light purple flowers. However, note that it should be pruned appropriately. The more mint is pruned, the better it grows.
Mint planting time
The specific time for planting mint is mainly determined by the local climate environment of the planting area and the mint planting method. Generally, mint is planted in spring and autumn each year. However, if the seed sowing method is used, it is generally planted in March and April and September and October each year. If rhizomes are used for planting, it is generally planted in April and August each year. For the division planting method, transplanting can only be carried out when the seedlings grow to about 10-15cm. If the cutting planting method is chosen, it is more suitable to plant around May and June each year.
Mint growth habits
Mint prefers a warm, humid environment with sufficient sunlight and abundant rainfall. The rhizomes of mint can generally sprout and emerge at around 5-6°C, and the most suitable growth temperature for the plants is between 20-30°C. Mint has strong cold resistance, and the soil is best as loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil. Water has a relatively large impact on the entire growth and development process of mint. The plant requires more water in the early and middle growth stages, while the budding and flowering stage requires sunny and dry weather, and the water requirement is also relatively reduced.
Mint effects and functions
1. Making tea. Generally, many flower shops and pharmacies sell dried mint leaves. Using mint leaves to make water not only has a cooling effect, but also promotes digestion and has a calming effect. However, note that pregnant women are not suitable to drink it, and the general population should not drink too much of it ordinarily.
2. Cooking. In China's Yunnan region, mint is often used as a side dish. It can be eaten cold-tossed or used to stir-fry meat.
3. Relieving mosquito and insect bites. Mint has a certain anti-itch effect. If you are accidentally bitten by mosquitoes or other insects, you can crush mint leaves and rub them on the wound. This will feel very soothing and can reduce the discomfort of itching.
4. Repelling insects. The mint plant itself is not prone to growing insects, so it can be planted together with other plants and bring some insect-repelling effect to other plants.
5. Mint balm. The main effect of mint balm is to relieve nasal congestion and coughing caused by colds. Of course, it can also be used to apply to places on the body bitten by mosquitoes and insects.
6. Repelling mosquitoes. One or two pots of mint can be placed at home, which can play a mosquito-repelling role to a certain extent.
If you want the mint plant to grow well, continuous pruning is very necessary. The pruned mint leaves can be dried in the sun and brewed in water, or used for cooking or plating, and can also be made into mint balm according to the method taught to everyone by the editor. It can not only refresh the mind, but also clear heat and detoxify.