Mint is a multi-purpose plant that smells heavenly and tastes refreshing, too! It’s an excellent herb for a gardener to grow in their home garden because of the many health and home benefits it provides. We can eat it, drink it, use it to keep ants away from the kitchen as well as use it to attract pollinators.
Mint has a reputation for spreading out, and essentially taking over the garden. However, that shouldn’t deter you from growing it because it can be easily detained. The benefits of growing mint outweigh the negatives, so gardeners should focus on that.
Chances are you’re familiar with mint already, but below are 10 reasons why gardeners should consider adding them to their herb line-up this growing season.
Easy to Grow
Mint plants do well in partial shade or full sun, so they won’t be limited to certain areas of your garden.
No Maintenance
There’s virtually no maintenance involved with growing mint. Just make sure to water it, especially in the warmer months. The truth is If you ignored it for a while, it would still survive.
Repel Ants, Mosquitos, Flies, Etc.
The smell of mint plants will deter pesky insects such as ants, mosquitos, flies, etc. The fact that mint is a natural bug-repellant is a huge benefit for any gardener or homeowner.
Attract Pollinators
While mint can repel the pesky insects, it can also attract the beneficial ones. Mint can attract butterflies, bees, moths and other pollinators that aid in plant and flower reproduction and a thriving ecosystem.
Use it for Drink Garnish
Use mint as a garnish for cocktails like mojitos, mint julip & more! It adds a nice touch of greenery to your drink in addition to an invigorating smell.
Recipes Galore
There are so many recipes that involve using the fresh mint grown in your garden, including pesto, an assortment of desserts, salads and so much more.
Medicinal Properties
Mint has a host of medicinal properties that have been used for generations. It’s a great digestive aid, so it’s great for an upset stomach. It can also be used as an essential oil for headaches.
Grow Indoors or Outdoors
Mint can either be grown indoors or outdoors, in-ground or in containers. Many gardeners like the versatility of growing mint in containers because it contains their tendency to spread.
Many Varieties
There are many varieties in the mint family to choose from. From spearmint to peppermint, choose the type of mint that suits your needs the best.
Good for Pets
Mint is not only good for humans, it’s great for our pets as well. It could help freshen their breath or aid in digestion. Mint contains Vitamins A and C, which is good for our dogs and cats’ bones, vision and skin.