Strawberry mint is a total game-changer for your herb garden. It has this amazing, fruity scent that’s way less “menthol-heavy” than your standard peppermint. Plus, the best part? It’s a hardy perennial! However, if you want it to bounce back even stronger next year, there are a few tips you should keep in mind for the winter months.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Mint
Whether you’ve got a big backyard or just a balcony for containers, strawberry mint is super easy to grow. Just a heads-up: like most mints, this little guy loves to take over. If you’re planting it in a garden bed, I highly recommend using a root barrier to keep it from wandering into your neighbors’ yard!
To get that signature sweet aroma, make sure you pick a spot with plenty of sunshine. Keep the soil nice and moist, and your mint will be happy as a clam.
Getting Ready for Winter Dormancy
If you want a lush harvest next spring, you’ve got to let your strawberry mint get some “beauty sleep” during the winter. This means giving it a good haircut. Here’s my pre-winter checklist to get your plant ready for its nap:
- In August, once the flowers have faded, cut the plant back to about 6 inches.
- Give it a little fertilizer—this encourages one last burst of growth.
- Harvest those final fresh leaves in the fall for your teas or desserts.
- Once the remaining leaves start turning brown, it’s time for the final trim.
- Wait until the plant has fully retreated for the season.
- Cut the stems back right down to the ground.
- Don’t let those clippings go to waste! Pluck the leaves and dry them to use later.
The Best Way to Protect Your Mint from the Cold
Generally, this hardy herb can handle a bit of a chill, but if the thermometer drops below 25°F, it’s going to need a little help. If you live somewhere with harsh, freezing winters, you should definitely give your strawberry mint some extra protection. Just layer some straw or evergreen branches over the soil. This “blanket” keeps the roots safe from the deep freeze. Once spring rolls around, just clear the mulch away so the new shoots can soak up the sun!
