How to Plant Water Mint

Water mint, also known as Mentha aquatica, is a water-loving herb that can be easily grown in your garden pond or water feature. This plant is known for its refreshing fragrance, aesthetic appeal, and medicinal properties. Follow the steps below to plant water mint in your water garden.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step in planting water mint is to select the right location. Water mint requires a damp and sunny spot to thrive. Ensure the location you choose receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Moreover, the water should be deep enough to cover the plant's roots and maintain an average temperature of 15 to 26°C.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

The next step is to prepare the soil. Water mint is a creeping plant that can spread and cover a large area. Therefore, it's best to plant it in a container to control its growth. Use a pot or a floating basket that's at least six inches deep and fill it with a mixture of potting soil and aquatic compost. Mix them thoroughly to create a well-draining and nutritious soil for your water mint.

Step 3: Plant the Water Mint

After preparing the soil, it's time to plant the water mint. Start by soaking the roots in water for a few minutes before planting. Place the root ball gently in the soil, ensuring the crown sits slightly below the surface of the soil. Water the plant generously and place it in the water pond or feature. Ensure the pot is deep enough to keep the plant's crown underwater, but the leaves should be above the water level.

Step 4: Maintain the Plant

To keep your water mint thriving, you need to maintain it properly. Water mint requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering the plant as it can rot its roots. Moreover, you should fertilize the plant once a month with aquatic fertilizer to promote its growth and ensure it's healthy. Additionally, prune the plant regularly by removing the dead or yellow leaves to prevent them from rotting and harming the plant.

Step 5: Harvest the Plant

Once your water mint is fully grown, you can start harvesting it. Water mint has various medicinal properties and is commonly used in teas, oils, and tinctures. To harvest the plant, cut the stalks just above the waterline, leaving behind the lower leaves to regrow. Allow the plant to recover before harvesting again, and avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at once.

Overall, growing water mint is an easy and rewarding experience. With the above steps, you can grow a healthy and productive water mint plant in your water garden. Good luck!