Frequent light watering encourages shallow root growth which makes your mint plant more vulnerable to drought. Compost is excellent at holding moisture yet still has a porous structure to allow excess water to drain so that it does not become boggy.Ĭareful monitoring of the soil moisture by testing it to a finger depth, and adjusting your watering frequency according, ensures that soil does not dry out and dehydrate your mint plant.Īlways water mint with a generous soak to encourage the roots to establish properly. In hot climates water once every three days whereas temperate climates may only require one watering per week. This varies according to the time of year and your climate. It is important to adjust the frequency of your watering to maintain the moisture of the soil. Water the mint frequently so that the soil stay moist.Thankfully the solutions to mint wilting are easy to implement. Mint does not grow well in sandy or stony soils as they drain too quickly for the roots to draw up moisture. Therefore mint grows best when it is watered regularly and planted in soil or a potting mix that retains moisture. Mint plants thrive in moist soils and can wilt quickly if the soil dries out and it is can one of the first plants in the garden to wilt in hot climates or during drought. Under watering is the most common reason for mint plants to look as though they are dying. Wilting leaves and stems, often turning brown. Keep reading for how to implement the solutions to each of these ailments to save your dying mint plant… Under Watering Mint Leggy growth with few leaves due to lack of sun or too much fertilizer.Mint dying in a pot due to pots or containers that are too small or because of a lack drainage holes in the base so excess water cannot escape.Root rot (boggy soil or pots without drainage can cause mint to turn yellow and droop).Under watering (mint requires consistently moist soil).The most common reasons for mint dying are usually because of: However occasionally there are problems with mint plants that are often as a result conditions that are contrary to their preferred environment. The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable SubstitutesĪlso see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.Mint is one of the hardiest herbs and one that I always recommend for inexperienced gardeners to grow in pots due to its resilience and relative low maintenance.You can also freeze Mint – it will be completely wilted when defrosted but will still add amazing flavour and fragrance. Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for weeks. The other option is to make a mint oil by pureeing the leaves with enough olive oil to make a paste using a stick blender or your food processor. Will generally keep for 3-5 days, depending on how fresh it was when you bought it. I keep mine wrapped in paper towel and then in plastic bag in the fridge. I generally use them whole so you get big bursts of minty goodness. The leaves can then be either used whole, torn or finely chopped. Wash, dry then pick the leaves away from the stems and discard the stems. Again the dried leaves won’t work where mint is being used as a salad leaf like in tabbouleh. Peppermint tea is just dried peppermint leaves and as with dried mint they are are significantly more intense in flavour than fresh so use sparingly. Dried mint won’t work where mint is being used as a salad leaf like in tabbouleh or other salads. Dried Mintĭried mint leaves are significantly more intense in flavour than fresh so use sparingly. While mint has a completely different flavour to basil, I can’t think of a place where the aromatic freshness of basil wouldn’t work exceptionally well as an alternative. Your dish will end up with more of an Asian or Mexican vibe but that can be a good thing. Coriander packs a big flavour punch so you won’t feel like you’re missing anything. Will work in a similar way but just takes the flavours in a different direction. It does add some lovely freshness and the visual greenery of mint so if it’s the only herb you have it will be better than nothing. Which means it won’t clash with any of the other flavours in your dish. Parsley is much more subdued in flavour compared with mint. The flavour of dried mint is significantly more intense than fresh. Generally only the leaves are used in cooking either fresh or dried. The aroma is incredibly fresh and fragrant and dare I say it, minty. There are many varieties including pepper mint, spear mint and chocolate mint. Mint is a leafy green herb used extensively in middle eastern and Vietnamese cooking. Looking for an alternative to fresh mint? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Mint substitutes.
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