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Pudina, or mint has a refreshing quality, a distinct aroma and is a staple in Indian kitchens. It is finely chopped and widely used in a variety of dishes, from chutneys and raitas to drinks such as masala chai, Sulemani chai and refreshing summer coolers like chaas and mint lemonade. Its digestive properties make it popular in herbal teas and it also helps in soothing stomach ailments. It can also be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and headaches.Mint is also an essential ingredient in biryanis, curries, and kebabs, adding a burst of freshness that balances the richness of spices.
Growing pudina at home is incredibly easy, making it possible to grow for novice gardeners too. Mint is a hardy plant that thrives in both pots and garden beds. It requires minimal care. Regular watering, partial sunlight, and occasional pruning is enough. Mint grows quickly and is best grown in containers to keep it contained.
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Why buy mint when growing it at home is so simple. It has rapid growth and minimal maintenance and growing it is as simple as planting a few cuttings or seeds. This makes it a must-have herb for any home cook who loves to infuse their dishes with vibrant, fresh flavours.
Pudina commonly refers to peppermint or spearmint, but there are other varieties such as chocolate mint, apple mint, and lemon mint that are not commonly found in India but are popular in other countries. Spearmint is the most popular for culinary use, while peppermint is known for its stronger flavour and medicinal properties. Mint can be grown either from seeds or cuttings, though starting from cuttings is often easier and quicker. Here are a few tips that may be useful when you grow mint at home.
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Growing Mint from Cuttings
You can buy a mint plant from a nursery or take a cutting from an existing plant. Cut a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long, just below a leaf node. Cut the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting in water or soil.
Place the cutting in a glass of water and make sure that the lower part of the stem is submerged. Keep it in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots should begin to develop within a week or two. Once the roots are about an inch long, the cutting can be planted in a pot. The plant has enough space to spread.
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Growing Mint from Seeds
Sprinkle seeds on the surface of moist, well-draining soil, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, and place the seed tray in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Mint seeds can take 10-15 days to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots.
Choosing The Right Container
Mint is a highly invasive plant, meaning it can quickly spread and take over garden beds if it's not contained. To prevent this, many gardeners prefer to grow mint in pots or containers. It is ideal to choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes at the bottom. This will give the mint room to spread without becoming root-bound. You can use any material for the pot, but terracotta is a good choice as it allows the soil to breathe and prevents waterlogging.
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Caring For The Mint Plant
Mint thrives in moist, well-draining soil. The soil can be improved with organic compost to improve its texture and nutrient content. Mint prefers partial shade to full sun. In regions with hot climates, it’s best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching. In cooler climates, mint can handle full sun, which may enhance its flavour and aroma.
Water your mint regularly to make sure that the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Container plants may need more frequent watering as pots dry out faster than garden beds.
Mint is a vigorous grower and doesn’t require heavy feeding of fertilisers. A light application of balanced, all-purpose fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season will suffice. Alternatively, you can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil.
Regular pruning and harvesting will keep your mint plant healthy and encourage bushier growth. Mint grows rapidly and can become leggy if not regularly pruned. Pinch off the top few inches of growth every few weeks to promote a fuller plant. Remove any flowers that appear, as flowering can reduce the flavour of the leaves.
Mint is generally a hardy plant, but it can still be susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and mint rust. Inspect your plants regularly, and if you notice any pests, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mint can suffer from fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to minimise the risk of fungal infections.
Winter Care
Mulch around the base of the plant with straw or leaves to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Bring potted mint indoors during the winter and place it in a bright, cool spot. Reduce watering, but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
Harvesting The Mint
You can begin harvesting mint leaves once the plant is about 6-8 inches tall. Harvest in the morning for the best flavour, and snip off sprigs just above a leaf node. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. You can dry mint leaves or freeze them in ice cubes for later use. Dried mint can be stored in an airtight container for several months.
