2023 How To Transplante Mint: Must Followed Tips

Preparing for Mint Transplantation

Before mint transplantion, check the plant’s health. Cut back leaves to encourage new growth and root stimulation. Prepare a container for ease of transportation. For shorter roots, use a small pot, but for fuller plants, choose a slightly larger one.

Cutting back the leaves to 1-2 inches will stimulate the root system and produce bushier growth. Remove damaged, diseased, or yellowed leaves. Apply any necessary fungicides or insecticides at this stage.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

mint transplantion, watering can, white ceramic vase with green plant — *Photo by* *Simona Takareviciute* / *Unsplash*

Choosing the Right Location

The ideal location for mint transplantion has full sun and well-draining soil. Mint prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for healthy growth.

Aim to space plants about 18–24 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. As mint spreads rapidly through underground stems called rhizomes, give it plenty of room. Some tending may be required to restrict its spread.

Here are the specific conditions to look for:

Soil: Mint thrives in loose, sandy loam soil that drains well. Avoid clay-heavy soil which retains excess moisture.
Exposure: Most mint varieties need full sun to perform best, producing more leaves and essential oils. However, some wood-mint types prefer partial shade.
Slope: Plant mint on slopes with good soil drainage to avoid root rot from soggy conditions. Minor slopes of up to 10° are suitable.
Foot traffic: Place mint away from high foot traffic areas like paths and sidewalks where trampling may damage shallow roots. Aim for an out-of-the-way corner.

When transplanting mint, incorporating 2–4 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will improve soil structure and aeration to support healthy root growth. In addition, consider applying a slow-release fertilizer at planting.

mint transplantion, watering can, a garden area with potted plants and a watering can — *Photo by* *Matthew Halmshaw* / *Unsplash*

Digging up Mint Plant with Care

Careful extraction is key when lifting an established mint plant for transplant.

Use a garden trowel to gently loosen the soil around the roots and base of the plant. Work the trowel in a circular motion to avoid damaging roots.
Hand dig around the root ball to loosen as much of the soil as possible without breaking roots. The more soil around the roots, the better chance of the plant surviving the move.
Slowly lift the mint plant from the ground by the root ball or leaves. Try not to pull on individual roots or stem, which can snap them.
Check that as much of the root system remains intact. Gently shake off or brush away excess soil to inspect roots.
If many roots are broken, consider leaving the plant in place and taking cutting instead for transplantion. Overly disturbed roots often struggle to reestablish.
Place the root ball in the transplant container and fill around the roots with potting soil to stabilize.

For large/mature plants:

Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the root zone before hand digging with the trowel.
Insert a spade or shovel under the root ball to lever the plant out of the ground once the soil is loosened.
Tamp the soil firmly around the root ball in the container to minimize root disturbance during transplantion.Avoid overpacking the soil.

In all cases, minimize the duration of the plant’s roots being exposed to air, which causes stress. Move quickly but carefully to make a successful mint transplant.

mint transplantion, mint plant, sliced banana on white ceramic plate — *Photo by* *Pablo de la Fuente* / *Unsplash*

Transplanting Mint to its New Home

Once you have dug up the mint plant with care, the next step is to transplant it to its new location. Follow these steps for a successful mint transplantation:

Prepare the new container or garden hole by filling it with premium potting or garden soil. The ideal soil type is loose, well-draining loam soil.
place the mint root ball into the center of the container or hole. Ensure the plant is positioned at a similar depth to how it was previously planted.
Backfill the soil around the root ball. Lightly tamp the soil to remove any air pockets around the roots, being careful not to compact the soil too much.
Water the soil immediately after transplanting. This helps settle the soil around the roots and eliminates any air pockets. Continue watering regularly for 1-2 weeks to aid recovery.
Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like shredded bark work well.
Stake the mint plant if needed, especially for tall varieties. This will provide support during the recovery period and as new growth develops. Use stakes and ties made from environmentally friendly materials.
Provide shelter from direct sunlight and wind for the first week to help the plant adjust gradually to its new environment. This may involve placing it in a partially shaded spot or covering it with a cloche.
Monitor the plant closely during the initial recovery period, checking for signs of wilting, leaf drop or pest/disease issues. Address these promptly to boost the odds of transplant success.

By following these steps to transplant mint properly into its new home, you can set the plant up for optimal health and growth in its new location. Ensure the soil conditions meet its needs and provide support and protection during recovery for best results.

mint transplantion, mint plant, a potted plant with a green leafy plant in it — *Photo by* *David Vilches* / *Unsplash*

Caring for Newly Transplanted Mint

After successfully transplanting mint, some post-transplant care is needed to help the plant recover and adjust to its new environment. Follow these steps to care for newly transplanted mint:

Provide shelter or shade for the first 7 to 10 days after transplanting. The mint plant will be under stress from the root disturbance and relocation. Shelter will allow it to adjust gradually to full sunlight.
Water thoroughly and regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Newly transplanted plants have reduced root systems, making it difficult for them to take up water. During the first week, water daily or every other day.
Watch for signs of wilting or dropping leaves, which can indicate the mint is not getting enough water. Check the soil moisture regularly, and water as needed to keep the soil lightly damp.
Begin fertilizing newly transplanted mint with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month throughout the growing season. This will help boost new growth and root development.
Monitor the health of transplanted mint closely for any signs of pests or disease. Insects and pathogens can more easily impact newly relocated plants with weakened defenses. treat accordingly.
Gradually expose the plant to full sunlight after about 7 to 10 days to harden it off. Increase the exposure by 1-2 hours per day to accommodate the plant. The transition will take around 2 weeks.
Continue to watch water and fertilizer needs for at least 4 to 6 weeks after transplanting. Newly transplanted plants require extra care and attention until their roots are reestablished in the new location.

By following these post-transplant care steps, you’ll set your newly transplanted mint up for success and optimal growth in its new home. Regular watering, shelter, fertilizing and monitoring will help the plant recover and adjust to its fresh start.

mint transplantion, watering can, three hanged gray watering cans — *Photo by* *Paul Gaudriault* / *Unsplash*

More Helpful Guide

Frequently Asked Question

How much sun does mint need?

Mint thrives best in partial or filtered sunlight. Avoid planting mint in areas that get hot afternoon sun. Dappled sunlight is ideal for robust mint plants.

What’s the difference between mint and peppermint?

Peppermint has a stronger, more menthol flavor than spearmint. Peppermint also has a higher menthol content than other mints. The menthol provides its cooling effect.

How do you use mint in cooking?

Chopped mint can be added at the end of cooking to salads, soups, grains and meats. It is often used in marinades, chutneys, and sauces. Mint is blended into smoothies and frozen desserts too.