How To Easily Start Mint from Seed
It’s mid March here in Tennessee which means that seed starting season is officially in full swing! I am beginning my herb garden this year with a couple varieties of mint. Beautiful, fragrant, and useful, mint is an easy to grow perennial in most areas, and requires low maintenance once established. An absolute must grow for beginner and experienced gardeners alike!
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Mint Varieties + Benefits!
There are many different varieties of mint available. I would encourage you to think about how you plan to use it before deciding on what variety to invest in. For me, I primarily grow mint and other herbs for use in recipes and to use in cut flower bouquets.
The two varieties shown above are Agastache, or Texas Hummingbird Mint, along with a Mint Marvelous Mix. The mint mix is more typical for use in recipes and teas, while the Agastache is more commonly grown for its beautiful purple flowers.
How to Use
Once you have established mint plants, you can choose to cut the leaves to use however you like. They are great to use in recipes, as well as in drinks (think lemonades, teas, cocktails, and more!) It can even be used in DIY mosquito repellant or used to keep pests away from other plants in the vegetable garden.
Growing Mint from Seed Method
I like to keep this part very simple and relatively straightforward. To begin, you will need to have some sort of container for growing seeds. I am using seed starting trays, which are relatively available online, at local garden centers, and big box stores. If you don’t want to invest in seed trays, easy container ideas include egg cartons, small yogurt containers, you name it! I personally love my Bootstrap Farmer seed trays, although they are more of an investment. For me, they have more than paid for themselves already because I use them every growing season with little to no wear on them, as opposed to cheaper seed trays that are more flimsy and prone to break/rip. (Speaking from experience here). That being said, if you are a newbie seed starter, I recommend buying a more affordable seed tray to start. You can always invest in higher quality seed trays should you wish to later on.
Now, for dirt, it is important you use a potting mix that is specific to seed starting. Seed starting mix is much lighter and fluffier than regular potting mix, allowing for better germination and easier growing and root establishment for your baby seedlings. It is also readily available at any garden center, big box store, or online. I don’t have much of a preference on brand, just whatever you can find. If you are looking for a specific brand recommendation, Espoma makes great products. I personally have used their seed starting mix, as well as many of their fertilizers and soil amendments.
Soil Mix for Seed Starting
To create your soil mix, grab yourself a big ole bowl or container, and begin by throwing your seed starting mix in. Then, using a watering can or pitcher, gradually pour water into the mix, using your hands to mix it together. I recommend adding the water slowly, mixing in a little at a time until your mix is the right consistency. You want your soil to be wet enough to stick together, but not so wet that it is sopping and dripping wet when you pick up a handful. Its a fine line, but one you will quickly get the hang of the more you do it.
Once the seed starting mix is wet and mixed in enough, add to your container. I usually take a big scoop of it and spread it over my seed trays until each container is full. I will occasionally press down each container to squish the soil down, repeating the process until the tray is completely full.
Now, mint seeds are pretty darn tiny, so it can be difficult to see how many you are planting into each container. I choose not to stress over this, sprinkling them as evenly as I can over my containers and gently pressing them into the soil. Choosing a well-lit area to do your seed starting always helps too.
It is important to note that mint seed requires light to germinate, so its important to not cover them with any soil. Anytime I have a seed that requires light to germinate, I just gently press them into the soil and then cover with a light layer of finely crushed vermiculite.
Vermiculite’s main use is to help contain water and nutrients in your seed starting mix. Covering a seed tray with vermiculite helps to keep the soil moist and also helps to ward off any fungus that may happen over time. I highly recommend it.
Where to Buy Mint Seeds
The mint seeds I’m using are both from Baker Creek seeds, which offers a unique variety of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds! It is one of my favorite seed sources, along with Johnny’s seeds. I have provided links to shop both of their sites below.
Things to Know
Mint is notorious for being a bit of a bully in the garden, spreading quickly and easily overtaking other plants. It’s best to grow it on its own in some kind of container to keep everyone happy.
Shop this Post
Starter Seed Trays (I like these because they come with a humidity dome that fits each tray!)
Bootstrap Farmer Seed Trays (very sturdy and high quality- I love them)
Seed Starting Mix (Espoma is a great brand)
Vermiculite (in my opinion, great to have on hand for seed starting)
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Happy planting!
Rachael
