If these strike, the best thing to do is get rid of your mint plants and get new, healthy ones. Unfortunately, it isn’t always well behaved and when its grown in the garden, this pretty little plant tends to be a bit of a bully.. Mint container growing is an option if you’re concerned about the aggressive nature of this rambunctious plant or if you just don’t have space for an herb garden. Mint, by many, is seen as an invasive species, a bit like a random and unwanted weed. Just don't place them in the same spot or potting soil because that increases the chances that the disease will spread to the replacement plants as well. are traditional tea herbs. You’ll get a second smaller harvest the … ... Apple mint has fuzzy green leaves, pineapple mint leaves … Mint Rust. Lavender mint (Mentha x piperita 'Lavender') can grow to 3 feet tall and wide, with large, eye-catching flowers.The lilac blossoms are showy enough to make the plant a garden ornamental, and butterflies love them too. Mint is an attractive, useful herb and the aroma is nothing short of amazing. Pests and Problems Just a few pests bother mint, although aphids and other soft-bodied pests can infest the leaves. You can remove the leaves or leave them in (punny!) Dry the excess mint leaves and store them in an air-tight container, if you wish. Tea: Why buy mint tea when it’s so easy to make? The spores overwinter in plant debris, so clean beds well in fall and remember to rotate crops. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves and let steep 5-10 minutes. 2. Good news first. Mint rust is another fungus that causes small brown, orange, or yellow pustules on undersides of leaves. The gray-green leaves surprise you with purple undersides. Harvest your mint leaves. Countless gardeners with outdoor garden complaints about mint invasion (I wish to have such a problem if the mint is of good quality) and how to get … Mint is a flavor enhancer, and its pleasant aroma makes food even more appetizing. The big difference is the presence of menthol, which gives peppermint a much more potent flavor. Hang mint stems upside down to dry them. What we usually call the “mints” (peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, etc.) 13 Amazing Health Benefits of Mint Leaves. Cats love mint and will eat the leaves off a plant. Then begin plucking off leaves as you need them. Add mint leaves or cubes to mojitos, iced tea, or fresh lemonade. Keep plants off the ground and ensure good air circulation. Aids in Proper Digestion . Make Your Own Mint Tea to Aid Digestion. Mint can suffer from several plant diseases such as verticillium wilt, mint rust, mint anthracnose. How to harvest mint leaves? larry on May 29, 2017: Thanks I learned a lot. Avoid splashing water onto lower leaves. A Leggy Mint: Many Potential Problems and One Good News. E Croker ewcroker@onthenet.com.au on March 27, 2017: Thankyou for your help I did have spider mites & loopers now there is a very small green thing about 1/2 cent long like a small grass hopper but a lot softer with no big legs hope you can help. Mint will tolerate a light frost, but you may want to consider harvesting any remaining mint to use over the winter if a hard frost is predicted. It’s a great digestive aid after dinner. Just steep your fresh mint leaves in boiling water for about five minutes and serve. 1. Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the plant at one time, as this can prevent proper regrowth. To harvest the entire plant, cut it down to 1-2″ above the soil. Tear the leaves and place in a mug, then muddle the leaves for a few seconds with the back of a wooden spoon. Use 5-10 big leaves or more depending on how strong you want it. Give your new mint plant anywhere from 2-6 weeks to get established. 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