did you know?

According to Greek myth, Persephone was jealous of Pluto's affections for the nymph Minthe, so she summoned her powers to diminish Minthe into a low, common plant. Pluto, unable to reverse Persephone's spell, was able to lessen the curse by giving Minthe a scent that grew sweeter the more it was tread upon. The name Minthe changed to Mentha and became the name for this genus of extremely useful herbs.

general maintenance:

Deadhead flowers, and remove old foliage after frost or before new growth emerges in spring. Divide plants as required.

pests/diseases:

Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and anthracnose may occur.

controls:

For powdery mildew, remove infected leaves, and don't water from above. For leaf spot, anthracnose, and rust, remove diseased plants. Reduce soil moisture for leaf spot and anthracnose.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants, divisions in early spring, cuttings in summer. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted compost or manure. Set plants at the same depth they grew previously and space 12 to 18 inches apart. Or plant in containers with well-drained potting mix. Mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil all season. In spring, feed with a balanced water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

To keep fast-growing mints from taking over the garden, grow them in containers sunk into the ground. In spring, pinch their tips, and prune them regularly. Rejuvenate mints by clipping them nearly to soil level in midsummer.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Drought Tolerant
• Fragrant
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover
• Naturalizing

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (Use leaves and flowers for garnish and flavor.)
• Potpourri

combine with:

beebalm, feverfew, foxglove, sage, and yarrow for a flowering herb or border garden.