Mint is a total water lover! Honestly, that’s what sets it apart from so many other Mediterranean herbs. In the wild, you’ll always find it where the soil is cool and damp, and it expects that same VIP treatment in your garden. If you want a non-stop harvest of those fragrant leaves, you’ve got to learn how to keep this thirsty plant happy.
Keep it Consistently Moist
Mint craves damp soil—and it wants that consistency every single day. The first step to giving those roots their dream home is picking the right spot. If it’s too sunny, the soil is going to bake and dry out way too fast in the summer. That’s why mint really thrives in partial shade.
Plenty of varieties do great in pots, making them perfect for a windowsill or balcony. Just remember to keep them out of the harsh, direct afternoon sun. Keep in mind that potted soil dries out much faster than the ground, and since the roots can’t dig deep to find moisture, a potted mint plant is going to be a bit more high-maintenance than one planted in a garden bed.
The Golden Rules of Watering
Even though mint loves moisture, it’s not an underwater plant! Your goal is to find that “Goldilocks” zone: the soil shouldn’t be bone-dry, but it shouldn’t be “swimming” in a swamp, either. Since the weather and seasons change how much water the plant drinks, you’ll need to adjust your routine. Here are my go-to rules:
- Water regularly.
- On hot summer days, plan on watering daily.
- Always check the plant’s actual needs before pouring.
- Let the very top layer of soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- For potted mint, use the “finger test” to check moisture levels.
- Only water in the early morning or evening.
- Water at the base of the plant; don’t soak the leaves.
Pro Tip:
If you’re growing mint in a pot, wait about ten minutes after watering and then empty the saucer. You don’t want the roots sitting in stagnant water for too long.
Winter Watering
Believe it or not, winter can be tough on mint. On those bright, sunny winter days when the ground is frozen, the plant can actually suffer from “dry stress.” To help it out, give it a little drink now and then—but only on days when the temperature is above freezing.
Try Hydroponics to Save Time
If the idea of daily watering in the summer sounds like too much work, you might want to look into hydroponics. Mint grown in a hydro-pot with a clay substrate usually only needs water every 2–3 weeks. Plus, you can just glance at the water level indicator to know exactly when it’s time for a refill. Easy, right?
