Field guide
How to grow mint: planting, care, and harvest guide
Mint typically reaches first harvest in 30–50 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant mint by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to June
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to May
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to April
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to March
Companion plants
Good companions: Tomato (Slicing), Cabbage, Peas
Avoid planting with: Parsley
Harvest
When to pick
- Stems are 6-8 inches with full leaves
- Best flavor just before flowering
- Harvest frequently to keep plants bushy and prevent legginess
How: Cut stems just above a leaf pair. Harvest up to 2/3 of the plant — it recovers aggressively. Always grow in containers or it WILL take over your garden.
Storage: Stand in water at room temp for a few days, or refrigerate in a damp towel for a week. Dries and freezes well.
Common pests and problems
Spider Mites
Signs: Fine webbing, stippled leaves, tiny moving dots
Control: Increase humidity. Spray with water regularly. Neem oil. Mint is generally pest-resistant.
Mint Rust
Signs: Orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides
Control: Remove infected stems. Improve air circulation. Thin crowded plants. Replace with resistant variety if persistent.
About this field guide
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