Good and Bad Mint Companion Plants

Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses, mint also plays a crucial role as a companion plant in the garden.

Companion planting is an age-old gardening practice rooted in the principles of symbiosis and mutual benefit among plant species. By harnessing the natural interactions between plants, gardeners can create healthier ecosystems and optimize yields.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of mint companion plants, exploring both good and bad pairings.

Good Companion Plants for Mint

Mint can influence the growth and well-being of neighboring plants in various ways.

Dill

This feathery foliage herb attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on common garden pests such as aphids and caterpillars.

When planted near mint, dill provides natural pest control while adding visual interest to the garden landscape.

Tomatoes

Mint needs protection from whiteflies, and tomatoes give them that protection.

Zucchini, Squash, and Pumpkin

These crops need pollinators to help them thrive. That’s where mint makes an excellent companion, as it invites these useful insects into your garden.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums serve as sacrificial plants, attracting pests away from mint and other valuable crops.

Their peppery leaves and flowers also act as a natural deterrent against aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles, effectively protecting neighboring plants.

Eggplant

Planted alongside mint, eggplant helps deter pests such as flea beetles. At the same time, eggplant also benefits from being beside mint, as mint helps keep away aphids from it.

Brassicas

These vegetables benefit from mint, as it helps keep away cabbage moths and flea beetles from their garden beds.

Other good companions include marigolds, roses, celery, onions, beans, carrots, and peas.

What Not to Plant With Mint

Blow are some of the worst companions for mint:

Chamomile

Chamomile needs all the nutrients it can get from the soil, but mint will pull them all away. Mint also needs lots of water, but established chamomile plants are fairly drought-tolerant.

Other Mints

While mint may thrive in monoculture settings, planting different mint varieties together can lead to aggressive competition for resources such as water, nutrients, and space.

To prevent overcrowding and maintain plant health, it’s best to space out different mint species or plant them in separate containers.

Parsley

Parsley and mint are incompatible companions due to their differing growth habits and nutrient requirements. Mint can also overshadow parsley.

Oregano

Oregano, like mint, belongs to the family Lamiaceae and shares similar growth characteristics. So, they may fight for resources.

Planting oregano near mint can also lead to overcrowding and reduced airflow, increasing the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis.

Rosemary

While rosemary and mint both possess aromatic foliage and culinary uses, they are not ideal companions in the garden.

Rosemary requires well-drained soil and thrives in drier conditions, whereas mint prefers moist, fertile soil. Planting rosemary near mint may also lead to water competition and hinder mint’s growth and vigor.

Other bad companions include sage, strawberries, basil, thyme, and lavender.

How to Grow Mint

Before you start planting, it’s essential to choose the right variety of mint for your garden.

There are several types of mint available. This includes spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, and apple mint [1]. Each variety possesses its own unique flavor and aroma, so select the one that you like.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Mint thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full sunlight. When selecting a location for your mint, ensure it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.

Mint is also known for its vigorous growth. Therefore, it’s advisable to plant it in containers or confined spaces. This will prevent it from spreading uncontrollably and overtaking your garden.

Planting Mint

You can plant mint seeds directly in the ground or use cuttings or seedlings instead.

If you’re planting mint in the ground, prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve its texture and fertility. You can also grow mint in containers with potting mix enriched with organic matter.

Plant mint seedlings or cuttings in the soil or container, ensuring they are spaced at least 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.

Watering and Maintenance

Water your mint plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. However, avoid overhead watering to prevent the foliage from becoming excessively wet, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

Mint is a relatively low-maintenance herb and doesn’t require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to provide essential nutrients and support healthy growth.

Also, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients can lead to rust and diminished oil production [2].

Controlling Mint’s Growth

To prevent the mint from spreading uncontrollably, consider planting it in containers. You can also use barriers, such as plastic edging, buried around the planting area to contain its roots.

Alternatively, harvest and use (or give away) excess mint to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.

Harvesting

Mint is one of those herbs that you can harvest all year. However, the best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning, when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the tops of the stems just above a set of leaves. Besides, regular harvesting not only encourages bushier growth but also allows you to enjoy fresh mint leaves for culinary purposes.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Mint is prized for its culinary versatility and is commonly used to flavor beverages, salads, desserts, and savory dishes. Add fresh mint leaves to lemonades, iced teas, cocktails, fruit salads, and yogurt for a burst of flavor and aroma.

Additionally, mint possesses medicinal properties and is often used to alleviate digestive discomfort and soothe headaches.

Takeaway

In the intricate tapestry of companion planting, the selection of suitable plant partners can significantly impact garden productivity and ecosystem health.

When it comes to mint companion vegetables, flowers, etc., give thoughtful consration to each species’ growth habits, nutrient requirements, and interactions. By choosing beneficial companions and avoiding bad pairings, gardeners can foster thriving gardens.