I’ve always wanted fresh herbs in my kitchen, and mint seemed like a good starting point. So, I decided to grow some indoors. Let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey!
First off, I went and got myself a small mint plant from a local nursery. I made sure to pick one that looked healthy, with vibrant green leaves and no signs of pests or diseases. I also picked up a pot with drainage holes because I read somewhere that mint doesn’t like to sit in water.
Finding the Right Spot
Next, I had to find the perfect spot for my new green buddy. I knew mint loves light, so I looked for a place that gets plenty of indirect sunlight. I ended up placing it near a south-facing window where it could bask in the light for about 6-8 hours a day. I made sure it wasn’t getting blasted by direct sunlight though, as that can scorch the leaves.
Watering Wisely
Watering was a bit tricky at first. I didn’t want to overwater it, but I also didn’t want the poor thing to dry out. I started by checking the soil every couple of days. I would stick my finger about an inch into the soil, and if it felt dry, it was time to water. I made sure to water it thoroughly until I saw water coming out of the drainage holes. I also noticed that my mint was extra happy after a little misting every now and then, so I added that into my routine.
Keeping It Cool
Mint likes it cool, so I tried to keep the room temperature between 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day and a bit cooler at night. I kept it away from heating vents and drafts to avoid any sudden temperature changes. This part wasn’t too hard since that’s a comfortable range for me too.
Feeding My Mint
I read that mint plants aren’t heavy feeders, but I still wanted to give it a little boost. I started using a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. I just mixed it with water as per the instructions on the bottle. It seemed to keep my plant healthy and growing well.
Pruning and Harvesting
As my mint plant grew, I started to pinch off the tips of the stems regularly. This not only gave me fresh mint for my mojitos but also encouraged the plant to grow bushier. I also made sure to remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.
- Pinching: I used my fingers to pinch. Easy peasy.
- Bushy Growth: Pinching made the plant grow wider, not just taller.
- Mojitos Time: Fresh mint is perfect for cooking!
It’s been a few months now, and my mint plant is thriving! I’ve been enjoying fresh mint in my cooking and drinks, and it’s been so satisfying to watch it grow. It definitely takes a bit of effort, but it’s totally worth it to have fresh herbs on hand whenever you need them. It is awesome! I am going to plant more herbs next time!
