Spearmint does spread like other types of mint . It is a perennial plant that has a tendency to open rapidly if not properly hold in . This can be both a blessing and a curse for gardeners .
On one helping hand , the spreading nature of Mentha spicata can be beneficial for sate in empty spaces in a garden or landscape . It can create a lush and fragrant ground cover , contribute beauty and aroma to the space . to boot , spearmint is known for its culinary and medicinal uses , so having a readily useable supply of fresh spearmint leave can be convenient .
On the other hand , if left unchecked , Mentha spicata can cursorily take over a raised bed or garden area . Its vigorous growth and spreading wont can crowd out other plants and become invasive . This can be specially tough in little or confined spaces where there is limited way for the plant to spread .
To keep Mentha spicata from overrunning your garden , it is important to take steps to hold its growth . Here are some strategies you’re able to use :
1 . works in containers : One effective way to hold the feast of Mentha spicata is to set it in containers . This allows you to enjoy the benefits of spearmint without worrying about it taking over your garden . take a large , deep container to hold the roots and control proper drain .
2 . Use barriers : Another method to control Mentha spicata ’s spreadhead is to produce physical roadblock around the plant . This can be done by sinking a barrier stuff , such as plastic or metal , into the primer coat around the border of the plant . Make indisputable the barrier extends several inches into the soil to prevent the rootage from escaping .
3 . Regular pruning : on a regular basis pruning spearmint can help preclude it from spreading too sharply . Trim back the plant regularly to keep it in chip and advance shaggy-coated growth . Harvesting the leaves for culinary or medicinal utilization can also help control the plant ’s growth .
4 . Harvesting runners : Spearmint spread out through underground contrabandist , so it ’s important to regularly go over for and move out any offset that are stretch out beyond the desired area . This can be done by dig up the runner and cut it away from the primary plant .
5 . cutting and dividing : If spearmint has already spread extensively in your garden , you may demand to thin out or divide the plant to regain mastery . Dig up clumps of spearmint and dissever them into small sections , dispose any superfluous growth . Replant the divided incision in containers or in a assign expanse of your garden .
Personal experience : I have grown spearmint in my garden for several days , and I have found that it does have a tendency to go around if not managed properly . At first , I plant it like a shot in the ground , but it promptly start to take over the surrounding expanse . I had to resort to using barriers and regularly pruning the industrial plant to keep it contain . Since then , I have chance that growing spearmint in containers is a much more achievable option . I can still love the benefit of spearmint without worrying about it spread uncontrollably .
Caroline Bates
