Guest post by Katrina & Clayton
Mint is one of the most adaptable herbs and grows particularly well in cooler climates, making it perfect for Scottish gardens. The Scottish climate, with its mild summers, ample rainfall, and relatively cool temperatures, provides excellent conditions for mint growth. Mint thrives in areas that receive a good balance of sun and shade, with plenty of moisture to keep the soil consistently damp.
Growing Mint in Scotland
Mint (Mentha) is a fragrant and versatile herb that is easy to grow and can thrive in Scotland’s temperate climate. Known for its aromatic leaves and vigorous growth, mint can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, beverages, and even medicinal applications. However, it’s also known for its aggressive spreading, which means it needs some care to prevent it from taking over the garden.
Climate Considerations: While mint prefers a temperate environment, it can tolerate light frost and even colder weather. However, harsh Scottish winters can damage mint if it’s not protected. For the best results, it’s recommended to grow mint in containers, where it can be easily moved indoors or to a sheltered spot during winter months.
Variety Selection: There are many varieties of mint to choose from, each with its own unique flavour and growth characteristics. Some of the most common types include:
Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Best for culinary use, with a mild, sweet flavour.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Stronger and more pungent, often used in teas or medicinal preparations.
Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens): A milder variety with a fruity scent, great for salads and drinks.
Chocolate Mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrata): A unique variety with a hint of chocolate flavour, perfect for desserts.
Planting Mint
Timing: The best time to plant mint in Scotland is during the spring (April to May) once the risk of frost has passed. Mint can also be planted in early autumn (September) as long as the plants have time to establish before the first frost.
Site Selection: Mint prefers a spot with partial shade to full sun. In Scotland, where the summers are often cool, planting in full sun will encourage faster growth. However, in areas with more intense sunlight, mint can benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from wilting.
Planting Technique:
Containers vs. Ground: Due to its invasive nature, mint is often grown in containers. This helps control its spread while still allowing it to flourish. If you choose to plant mint in the ground, consider using a barrier, such as a sunken pot, to prevent the roots from spreading uncontrollably.
Spacing: Mint plants should be spaced about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart to give them room to grow and spread. If planting in a container, make sure it’s at least 30 cm (12 inches) wide.
Pruning Mint
Regular pruning is essential for keeping mint plants healthy, preventing them from becoming leggy, and encouraging bushier growth.
Pinching Back: Once the plant reaches about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in height, pinch back the tips of the stems. This encourages the plant to produce more branches and results in a fuller, more compact shape.
Harvest Pruning: Regularly harvesting mint leaves serves as a natural form of pruning. Cut the stems just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth. You can harvest, chop and freeze in bags to use all year round.
Hard Pruning: At the end of the growing season, typically in late autumn, you can cut the plant back to about 5 cm (2 inches) above ground level. This encourages fresh growth in the spring.Pruning Frequency: Mint grows rapidly and can benefit from pruning every few weeks during the growing season (April to September). Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming too tall and unruly.
Dividing Mint
Mint is a perennial herb that spreads via underground runners (rhizomes), which means it can quickly outgrow its space. Dividing mint every couple of years helps manage its growth and ensures the plant remains healthy.
When to Divide: The best time to divide mint is in early spring (March to April) or autumn (September), before or after the main growing season. This allows the divided plants to establish themselves before facing extreme weather conditions.
Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig up the entire mint plant, including its root ball.
Dividing the Root Ball: Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have some healthy roots and shoots.
Replanting: Replant the divided sections in their new location, either in the ground or containers. Ensure they are spaced properly and water them thoroughly to help them settle in.
Dividing mint every two to three years is also a good way to propagate new plants without needing to buy additional seedlings.
Caring for Mint
Watering: Mint thrives in consistently moist soil, so it’s important to keep the soil damp, especially during dry periods. However, avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Container-grown mint may need more frequent watering than plants grown in the ground.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulch, such as straw or compost such as Caledonian Green Goodness works well for mint.
Drainage: Ensure the soil remains well drained to prevent root rot, particularly in container grown mint, which can become waterlogged if not adequately drained.
Ways To Using Mint
Mint is a versatile herb with many uses, and there are several ways to preserve and enjoy it throughout the year.
Chop and Use Fresh: Fresh mint leaves add a burst of flavour to salads, sauces, and dressings. Chopped mint can be sprinkled over dishes like roasted vegetables, yoghourt, or desserts for a fresh, cooling flavour. Great to add to hot or cold water for a refreshing lightly diffused drink.
Drying: Drying mint is an excellent way to preserve it for later use. Hang bundles of mint upside down in a cool, dry place or use a dehydrator. Once dried, crush the leaves and store them in an airtight container. Dried mint works well in teas, seasoning blends, and baked goods too.
Freezing: You can freeze mint by chopping the leaves and placing them in ice cube trays with water or oil. This method preserves the fresh flavour and can be used in soups, stews, smoothies or dropped into cold drinks later.
Mint Tea or Refreshing Cold Drink: Fresh or dried mint leaves make a soothing herbal tea. Simply steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes to create a refreshing, caffeine-free beverage. Alternatively add to cold water to lightly infuse your drink.
Mint is an ideal herb for the Scottish climate due to its adaptability, hardiness, and preference for cooler, moist conditions. With its fast growing nature, mint can easily become a staple in your garden or kitchen, provided you manage its spread.
Katrina & Clayton
Katrina & Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire in Scotland and share their daily life in the garden on instagram @buildingfoodforest_scotland. They practice permaculture principles, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.
Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2022. This year he will be completing Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton is 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs. Both Katrina and husband Peter have studied the Permaculture Design Course PDC and PDC Pro over the last 5yrs, developing their garden from grass to an ongoing food forest.
They have featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens, Gardeners World Magazine and write for Scotland Grows Magazine. Katrina has a series of children’s story books out following the life of Clayton in the garden. Available at Amazon.
See more and follow Katrina & Clayton at the links below: