My mint herb plant is growing out and down toward the ground. Is there a way to help its stems grow healthier
Question:It is growing fast. I just want it to be healthy and keep growing. Most of the leaves that are hitting the ground are dying. It is in a pot.
Answers:
Mint is invasive and aggressive; therefore most people prefer to grow it in pots. However, mint establishes an extensive root system and can suffer when this happens. Your options may be:
1. Cut the mint back very short (2-3 inches tall). It will grow back. Mint is meant (not trying to be funny!) cut back periodically.
2. Transfer the mint to a flowerbed. Be sure this is a mint-only flowerbed. The stuff metastasizes.
I grow spearmint and chocolate mint. I find it does not do well in pots, even large pots. I find it easiest to establish one bed for each mint type and watch it carefully to make sure it doesn't spread under the bed.
transplant it because thers no room for the roots to grow
Mint varieties are by nature adventurous. As they run out of nutrition they will lay down to find new places to root. Transplant your mint by removing from the pot, then trim 1/3 of the root growth off the bottom and all larger stems from the top. Make vertical slices in the remaining root ball 1/2 inch deep. This will help the plant produce new, vigorous shoots. Place your mint back in the pot filling in the bottom and sides with high quality compost or potting mix. Water well. In a few day you will see new growth vigorous and healthy.
pinch it back and it will get bushier instead of taller.
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