Assign mints to a carefully selected location and enjoy an aromatic harvest for many years. You can find out here which attributes are important in the bed and on the balcony.
Where should mint be placed in the garden or on the balcony?
The optimal location for mint is partially shaded, without blazing midday sun, warm and protected from rain, in an airy location. The soil should be nutrient-rich, humus-rich, loamy-sandy, fresh-moist and well-drained, with a pH value of around 7.
The best light and temperature conditions at a glance
In contrast to classic Mediterranean herbs, mint species' need for sunlight is limited. This is what the optimal location should be like:
- partially shaded location, without blazing midday sun
- warm and protected from rain
- preferably airy so that water drops dry quickly
A good place for mints, for example, is under tall deciduous trees. The leaf canopy protects the herb plant from the pelting rain and at the same time allows enough sunshine through.
The best soil quality for mint
The right light and temperature conditions alone are not enough to attract the best possible growth from a mint. So that it happily stretches out its roots in the bed and pot, this potting soil is important:
- nutrient-rich and humus
- preferably a loamy-sandy consistency
- fresh-moist, without risk of waterlogging
- well drained
- ideal is a pH value around 7
In the large bucket, loose herb soil (€6.00 on Amazon) meets the requirements when optimized with sifted compost and horn shavings. In addition, aggregates create the desired permeability. These include lava granules, perlite, expanded clay, coconut fibers and quartz sand. Drainage made of coarse, inorganic material is essential.
Tips & Tricks
The best location for mint becomes obsolete after 3 to 4 years at the latest. Then it is important to choose a new planting site in the garden to prevent diseases. For potted plants, the time is up after just 2 years because the containers are completely rooted. Timely repotting preserves the vitality of mint for many years.
