Planting Mint in the Ground | How to Grow Healthy & Contained Mint in Your Garden

Introduction: Fragrant, Fresh, and Easy to Grow

Mint is one of the most popular and useful herbs for home gardeners. Whether you’re brewing tea, making mojitos, garnishing desserts, or repelling pests naturally, mint is a garden must-have. But while mint is easy to grow and thrives in UK climates, planting it directly into the ground needs to be done with care and planning — or it might take over your entire garden!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant mint in the ground the right way, how to control its vigorous spread, and how to keep it healthy and productive for years to come.

1. Why Grow Mint in the Ground?

Pros and Cons of Ground Planting

Planting mint in the ground can be extremely rewarding — you’ll get a lush, bushy harvest of leaves with minimal effort.

Benefits:

Low maintenance once established
Fast-growing and hard to kill
Attracts pollinators
Naturally repels pests like ants and aphids

Challenges:

Mint is invasive — it spreads via underground runners
It can overtake nearby plants if not properly contained

2. Choosing the Right Type of Mint to Plant

Pick the Variety That Suits Your Garden Goals

There are many types of mint, each with unique flavours and uses.

Popular Mint Varieties:

Spearmint – Mild, classic flavour for drinks and cooking
Peppermint – Stronger taste, great for tea
Chocolate Mint – Subtle chocolate aroma, great for desserts
Apple Mint – Fuzzy leaves and fruity taste
Corsican Mint – Low-growing and aromatic, good as ground cover

Choose one or two types max — they cross-pollinate easily and can lose their distinct flavours if planted too close together.

3. Best Time to Plant Mint in the Ground (UK Guide)

Timing for Success

Plant outdoors in spring (April–May) after the risk of frost has passed.
You can plant mint in autumn too (September–October), though it may die back over winter and reappear in spring.

Start with young plants from a garden centre or divide established clumps from another garden.

4. Where to Plant Mint in Your Garden

Location Matters for Growth and Control

Mint thrives in:

Moist but well-draining soil
Full sun to partial shade
Sheltered spots out of harsh wind

Ideal locations:

Along pathways (as long as contained)
Herb borders
Raised beds (with barriers)
Near patios for easy access and aroma

Avoid planting mint near delicate or slow-growing herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme — mint can smother them.

5. How to Contain Mint in the Ground

Stop It from Spreading Without Going Pot-Only

Planting mint directly into the ground requires root control.

Containment Methods:

Bottomless Pot Method
Plant mint inside a large pot (20–30cm deep), then bury the pot into the soil with the rim 2–5cm above ground. This keeps runners contained but allows for drainage.
Plastic Bucket or Tub
Cut off the base and sink it into the ground the same way. Ideal for larger patches of mint.
Root Barrier Edging
Install vertical edging 30cm deep around the mint bed to block roots.
Isolated Bed or Corner
Allocate a “mint-only zone” where spread won’t matter (e.g. behind a shed or in a forgotten corner).

6. Step-by-Step: Planting Mint in the Ground

Get Your Mint Off to a Strong Start

You’ll Need:

Mint plant or rooted cutting
Trowel or spade
Mulch or compost
Optional: pot or barrier to contain roots

Planting Instructions:

Choose your site (sun/part shade, moist soil)
Prepare the hole — dig slightly wider than the root ball
Add compost to enrich the soil
Insert container/barrier if using
Plant the mint, firm it in, and water thoroughly
Mulch around the base to keep weeds down and moisture in

7. Caring for Mint After Planting

Keep It Healthy with Minimal Effort

Mint is a low-maintenance herb, but it still appreciates regular attention.

Mint Care Tips:

Water regularly, especially in hot or dry weather
Mulch in spring to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Cut back often — harvesting helps prevent it becoming leggy
Divide clumps every 2–3 years to keep it productive

Overwintering Tip: Mint may die back in winter, but roots survive underground and regrow in spring.

8. Harvesting Mint Leaves for Maximum Flavour

When and How to Pick Mint

Start harvesting when plants are 15–20cm tall
Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf pair
Harvest early morning for best aroma and oil concentration

Regular picking encourages bushy growth and prevents flowering. Once flowers appear, flavour can become bitter.

9. Common Problems When Growing Mint in the Ground

Troubleshooting Mint Issues

While mint is easy to grow, it can still encounter problems.

Common Issues:

Rust (fungal disease): Orange spots on leaves — cut back heavily and remove affected leaves
Powdery mildew: White coating — improve airflow and water early in the day
Aphids or spider mites: Use organic insecticidal soap or blast with water

To avoid pests and diseases, avoid overcrowding and rotate your mint bed every few years.

10. Uses for Fresh Garden Mint

Make the Most of Your Mint Harvest

Mint is one of the most versatile herbs around:

Drinks: Mojitos, herbal teas, lemonade, infused water
Cooking: Lamb, peas, couscous, salads, sauces
Desserts: Fruit salads, sorbets, chocolate mint pairing
Pest control: Crushed mint leaves repel flies and ants
Wellness: Use for digestion, stress relief, and freshness

You can also dry or freeze mint for winter use.

Conclusion: Enjoy Endless Mint Without the Mayhem

Planting mint in the ground is an excellent choice — as long as you take a few simple steps to keep it contained. By choosing the right location, using root barriers, and harvesting regularly, you’ll enjoy fresh, fragrant mint year after year without it overwhelming your garden.

So go ahead — plant a patch, sip a fresh mint tea, and enjoy one of the easiest (and most useful) herbs you’ll ever grow.

Top 10 FAQs: Planting Mint in the Ground

1. Is it safe to plant mint directly in the ground?

Yes — as long as you use containment methods like pots, root barriers, or dedicated beds.

2. How do I stop mint from taking over my garden?

Plant it in a bottomless container sunk into the ground or use a root barrier around the bed.

3. What soil does mint prefer?

Moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in sun or part shade.

4. How far does mint spread underground?

Mint can spread 30cm to over 1 metre per season if unchecked.

5. Should I cut mint back in winter?

Yes — cut it back to ground level after the first frost. It’ll regrow in spring.

6. Can I grow different types of mint together?

Avoid planting close together, as they cross-pollinate and may lose distinct flavours.

7. How often should I water mint?

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry spells — but avoid waterlogging.

8. Does mint flower? Should I let it?

Yes — but flowering reduces flavour. Cut buds off to keep it leafy.

9. Can I divide and move mint?

Yes — dig up and divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring or autumn.

10. Is mint good for wildlife?

Absolutely — it attracts bees and pollinators, especially when flowering.