As one of the most popular culinary herbs around, mint is a hardy, versatile and adaptable plant that makes it great for beginners. It likes partial shade with well-draining, damp and slightly acidic soil, but can adapt to most conditions. Water the plants whenever the top layer of soil feels dry; more frequent watering is needed in full sun. Each variety has different tolerance to heat and humidity, so research yours before planting.

Mint attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees, while generally being pest and disease resistant. If the plant is stressed, it’s more likely to be affected by problems like spider mites, whiteflies, aphids and rust. The plant is toxic to animals, so add fencing if you have pets.

Starting mint indoors will accelerate your first growing season, and you can even keep it indoors year-round. You should begin six weeks before you plan to transplant the seedlings. Get a tray or small pot and fill it with a seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and leave them uncovered. Maintain moist soil at room temperatures of 65-70 degrees and provide at least four hours of daily sunlight or grow lights.

Mint can be transplanted after the final spring frost, which can be anywhere from late February to mid-May. You should separate it from normal garden beds, as this aggressive spreader is prone to stealing space and nutrients. For transplants, dig a hole large enough that 1-2 inches of backfilled soil will cover the root ball.

Mint is easy to grow in containers, and it helps control the plant’s spreading. Choose a well-draining container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and use a high-quality potting mix. For indoor plants, you may need to mist the plant to increase humidity.

If your soil is naturally rich, the only fertilization necessary is adding compost to the soil when you plant. For poor soil and container-based plants, add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks starting in the spring and continuing throughout the growing season. Make sure the fertilizer is approved for edible plants, and be aware that too much fertilizer can hurt growth and flavor. We recommend testing the soil before deciding on a fertilization schedule.

These plants are notoriously resilient and will survive most winters. In the late fall, cut the plant close to the ground and cover it with organic mulch or leaves for insulation. Bring potted plants indoors and place them near a south-facing window, caring for the plants as normal.

The biggest reason to prune mint plants is to control their sprawling growth. Pinching back the young stems will give the plant a bushier shape. You might cut the plant back some in midsummer to spur larger leaves.

As soon as there are multiple 6-8-inch stems, you can start harvesting. Trim the leaves directly above a node, which will promote new growth and delay flowering. Leaves have the best flavor if you harvest in the morning. Never harvest or cut back more than a third of the plant at once.