How to Grow Pudina Plants in a Pot?
Pudina or mint is one of the most widely used herbs globally. It finds its place in traditional cuisines of many nations and is extremely easy to grow at home in a container with minimal care by any gardener – experienced or otherwise. Let's take a look at some easy-to-follow steps to grow your own freshness at home.
Mint – History
As per Greek mythology, the name mint comes from ‘Minthe or Menthe’ a nymph, who was Pluto’s beloved. Pluto’s we Persephone in her jealousy turned her into a low-growing plant. Pluto could not change her back but gave her the boon of sweetening the air whenever her leaves were crushed.
One of the oldest surviving medical texts dating back to 1550BC lists the benefits of mint as a digestive. Since then mint has not only been used in cuisines across the globe, but also in toothpaste, mouth fresheners, and beverages. There are several kinds of mint plants with varying levels of potency but they all share similar characteristics. This ground-hugging perennial herb is extremely easy to grow and care for, it also grows really quickly making it possible for you to harvest it repeatedly.
Let’s take a look at how to grow the mint plant at home in a pot.
Planter
While the mint plant can be grown in any planter, choosing a wide and shallow planter is a better choice. But use any planter you have available. Drill plenty of holes in the bottom to allow extra water to drain. Avoid growing mint directly in the ground or in your flower bed, as it is an invasive species and will quickly take over your garden.
Soil
Mint grows in a variety of potting mixes. For the best medium to grow your mint plant use a mix of equal quantities of Ugaoo garden soil, Ugaoo cocopeat, Ugaoo Pot-o-mix, and Ugaoo vermicompost. This mix ensures good drainage, right water retention, ample nutrients, and good root health.
Placement
The mint, like many herbs, loves bright indirect light and does well with a few hours of sun in the day. Place your mint planter on your kitchen windowsill or on your balcony or terrace. Make sure the plant is well ventilated and not cramped up amongst other plants. The mint can also live happily in full sun given that it is watered properly.
Watering
The mint loves to be well-watered at all times, making a well-draining potting mix all the more important. Keep your mint plant moist, but not soggy, at all times. Water your plant when the topsoil dries out. Water thoroughly and always empty the drainage plate under your planter. Mint plants droop when underwatered, alerting you to their need for a good watering session.
Harvesting
To harvest any herb, including mint, always prune one-third of every branch. It not only keeps the plant in check but also promotes branching, making the plant bushier and giving you more leaves in return.
Propagating
Mint might be one of the easiest plants to propagate. Simply take cuttings that are an inch or two in length and remove the lower leaves, retaining only the top couple of leaves. Propagate the cuttings either in water or directly in soil by making sure the exposed leaf nodes are well covered in the growing medium.
Issues
The mint plant is generally free of pests owing to its strong smell and medicinal nature. However, if the plant is not kept well-ventilated the leaves might develop mold. The mint plant loves a moist potting mix but loves dry foliage, so keep your plant well-lit and well ventilated.
Happy gardening!
