Did you know.....? Mint is a vigorous growing plant, and should ideally be planted in it's own container, otherwise it does tend to take over the entire garden.
Step by step guide to growing fresh garden mint
Prepare your site
Mint is best suited to shaded, damp soil, so it is an ideal herb to grow in north facing gardens, or along a north wall.
When to plant mint
Mint is usually proporgated by the means of division. A healthy mint plant will throw out runners which will creep across the floor, just under the surface of the soil. These runners will each sprout little groups of roots at each node. Early Spring is the best time to uproot the runners and to sever them from the parent plant. These newly formed mint plants can then be placed in their own position in and around the garden.
How to plant mint
Each individual plant should be placed at least 1ft apart. It is advisable to place mint plants into their own individual pots or containers, as this ensures that they do not have the opportunity to take over the whole garden.
Routine care of mint
Apart from the occasional weeding and watering, there is little else to do.
When to harvest mint
Mint is ready to be harvested throughout the summer months, and can be used as soon as the leaves are large enough to pick. Mint is generally used fresh in the summer and dried for winter use
Storing mint for later use
Mint leaves should be picked and dried indoors. Certain conditions need to be met before drying min, these are t: good ventilation, shade and a consistant temperature of 32°C. An ideal place could be the airing cupboard, a shed or a shaded greenhouse. Spread a single layer of leaves inside a shallow box or on a tray, making sure that the leaves do not overlap. Turn the leaves once or twice within the first 24 hours, and once a day thereafter.
By maintaining a steady temperature of 32°C, the moisture present in the mint leaves starts to evaporate before they start to die, ensuring that the dried mint is at it's best. Once the leaves have dried, carefully crumble them into an airtight container,such as a glass jar or a wooden box. Make sure that any woody material is removed. If any moisture is detected on the inside of the container, it means that the leaves were not 100% dry when stored, simply pour them onto a piece of kitchen towel and give them further time to dry. Wash the container and dry thoroughly before re-using.
Recommended varieties of mint
Mentha sachalinensis: Commonly known and grown as Garden mint, it is grown profusely throughout the country. Used best when fresh but can be dried for later use.
Mentha spicata: Known as Curly mint or spearmint, and is best suited to a loamy soil, which has had plenty of organic material added to it. Spearmint leaves can be used whole, chopped, dried, fresh or frozen.
Mentha suaveolens: Apple mint is an attractive specimen of the mint family and is often used as an ornamental plant. It is easy to grow and thrives well in full sun or lightly shaded conditions. The leaves of the apple mint plant are used to make apple mint jelly, mint tea and can be used as a garnish on salads.
Serving suggestion for mint.....
Mint Chutney
Mint & Rhubarb Jelly
Mint sauce
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Growing Mint.... 
