Mint’s Best Friends! Plant These Together Now🌿

Understanding companion planting is essential when cultivating a thriving garden, and knowing what to plant with mint can significantly enhance your efforts. The principles of organic gardening suggest that strategically pairing plants, like mint with certain vegetables and herbs, can deter pests and improve growth. One popular choice for growing alongside mint is tomatoes, benefiting mutually from shared insect-repelling properties. Finally, consider consulting resources such as the Farmer’s Almanac for comprehensive planting guides and regional tips on companion planting.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Epic Gardening , from the video titled How to Grow TONS of Mint (And Not Let it Take Over) .

Unlocking Mint’s Potential: What to Plant With Mint for a Thriving Garden 🌿

Mint, a vigorous and fragrant herb, is a garden staple for many. However, its reputation for aggressive spreading can make gardeners hesitant to incorporate it alongside other plants. Understanding "what to plant with mint" is key to maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential problems. This guide explores companion planting strategies and compatible plant pairings for a healthy and harmonious garden.

Understanding the Challenges of Planting with Mint

Mint’s invasive nature stems from its rapidly spreading roots, known as rhizomes. These can quickly overtake nearby plants, depriving them of essential resources like water and nutrients. Before diving into companion plants, it’s important to acknowledge this challenge and implement control measures.

Containing Mint’s Spread

• Container Gardening: This is often the easiest and most effective method. Planting mint in a pot restricts its root system, preventing it from spreading uncontrollably. Place the pot in a sunny or partially shaded location.
• In-Ground Barriers: If you prefer planting mint directly in the ground, consider using barriers. Sink plastic or metal edging at least 12 inches deep around the planting area to contain the rhizomes. Be sure to leave a couple of inches of the barrier showing above ground to prevent rhizomes from growing over.
• Regular Pruning: Frequent harvesting helps to keep the plant compact and prevents it from dedicating energy to root expansion.

Companion Plants That Benefit from Mint

Despite its potential for invasiveness, mint offers several benefits to nearby plants when properly managed. It acts as a natural pest repellent, attracting beneficial insects and deterring harmful ones.

Pest Deterrent Properties of Mint

Mint’s strong scent repels various pests, making it an excellent companion for susceptible plants.

• Cabbage White Butterflies: The scent can confuse these butterflies, preventing them from laying eggs on vulnerable brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
• Aphids: Mint’s aroma naturally deters aphids, protecting delicate plants like roses and beans.
• Ants: Mint can disrupt ant trails, keeping them away from your plants.
• Flea Beetles: Mint can help to deter these tiny, damaging beetles from attacking plants such as eggplants and tomatoes.

Plants that Benefit from Mint’s Pest Repellency

Here’s a list of plants that particularly benefit from having mint nearby (planted responsibly, of course):

• Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower): Mint deters cabbage white butterflies and aphids.
• Tomatoes: Deters aphids and flea beetles, and may improve fruit flavor.
• Roses: Keeps aphids away, promoting healthy blooms.
• Eggplant: Helps deter flea beetles.
• Peppers: Discourages aphids.
• Beans: Protects against aphids and certain beetles.

Good Companion Plants FOR Mint

While mint helps protect other plants, some plants can actually benefit mint. These are often chosen to improve mint’s growth or deter its own pests.

Plants that Improve Mint’s Growth

• Marigolds: These flowers deter nematodes, which can sometimes attack mint roots. The strong scent of marigolds also helps to repel other unwanted pests.
• Chamomile: Some gardeners believe chamomile improves the flavor and growth of mint, although this is largely anecdotal.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Mint

Given mint’s aggressive nature, it’s wise to avoid planting it near delicate or slow-growing plants that might be easily overwhelmed.

Plants Sensitive to Competition from Mint

• Other Herbs: Avoid planting mint near other spreading herbs like oregano or thyme, as they will compete aggressively for resources. Consider keeping other herbs in pots to prevent them from being overrun.
• Salad Greens: Lettuce and spinach are delicate and can be easily shaded out by mint’s foliage.
• Flowers with Shallow Root Systems: Petunias, impatiens, and similar flowers are vulnerable to competition for water and nutrients.

Creating a Companion Planting Plan: Examples

Here are a few example plans, keeping in mind the container gardening and barrier techniques mentioned earlier.

Container Grouping Ideas

• Tomato & Mint Pot Duo: Plant a tomato plant in a large container and place a smaller pot of mint nearby. This will help deter pests from the tomato plant without the risk of the mint spreading.
• Rose & Mint Container Arrangement: Surround the base of a potted rose bush with a pot or two of mint to keep aphids at bay.

In-Ground Companion Planting Example (with Barriers)

1. Choose a Sunny Spot: Select an area in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the Bed: Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Install Barriers: Dig a trench around the planting area for your vegetables, flowers, etc., and insert plastic or metal edging, leaving 2-3 inches above the soil.
4. Plant Vegetables/Flowers: Plant your desired vegetables/flowers within the enclosed area.
5. Plant Mint (with Barrier): In a different spot, using similar barrier techniques, plant your mint.

Mint Varieties and Companion Planting

Different mint varieties possess slightly different scents and pest-repelling properties. Peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint are all popular choices. Consider the specific variety when planning your companion planting strategy. For example, peppermint’s stronger scent might be more effective at deterring certain pests than spearmint. Researching the specific properties of each variety can help you fine-tune your planting plan.

Alright, green thumbs, that wraps up our look at what to plant with mint! Get out there, experiment a little, and see what works best in your garden. Happy planting!