Mint is a highly aromatic herb prized for its refreshing scent and versatility in culinary applications. Gardeners often use companion planting, which is the practice of growing different crops close together to foster a mutually beneficial environment. This technique leverages the unique characteristics of each plant to improve the health and productivity of the garden. Understanding which plants make good neighbors for mint, and which do not, is key to successful herb gardening.
Plants That Thrive Near Mint
Mint is an effective companion plant because its strong, pungent scent acts as a natural deterrent to common garden pests. The volatile oils released by the leaves confuse insects that rely on smell to locate host plants. This pest-repelling quality is beneficial for members of the cabbage family, such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower, helping to ward off destructive insects like the cabbage moth.
Tomatoes also benefit from nearby mint, as the aroma helps repel pests like the tomato hornworm, spider mites, and aphids. Similarly, planting mint near carrots can deter the carrot rust fly, protecting the root crops from damage. When mint flowers, it attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, supporting organic pest control.
Plants to Keep Away From Mint
Mint is a poor partner for many herbs and delicate plants due to its aggressive nature and differing cultural needs. Slow-growing herbs, such as chamomile, parsley, and basil, are easily overwhelmed by mint’s rhizomes, which quickly colonize the soil. These rhizomes compete fiercely for moisture and nutrients, choking out less vigorous plants.
Many sensitive herbs and vegetables have soil moisture preferences that clash with mint’s requirements. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender prefer drier, well-drained soil, while mint thrives in consistently moist conditions. Planting these together harms the drought-tolerant varieties. Additionally, the powerful aromatic oils of mint can sometimes alter the flavor of nearby sensitive plants, such as cucumbers or parsley.
Strategies for Containing Mint Growth
The primary challenge of growing mint is managing its rhizomatous root system, which spreads horizontally beneath the soil surface. To prevent this aggressive spread, gardeners must implement physical barriers. The most effective method is planting mint in a container, such as a large plastic pot or bucket, that is at least 12 inches deep.
Using Containers
For the best results, cut out the bottom of the container and sink it into the ground. This allows for natural drainage while preventing the sideways escape of the roots. The container rim must extend at least one to two inches above the soil line to prevent above-ground runners from rooting in the surrounding bed.
Installing Root Barriers
Alternatively, a dedicated root barrier can be installed by sinking durable material like plastic sheeting or metal flashing 12 to 18 inches deep into the soil. This barrier must completely encircle the mint patch to be effective. Even with barriers in place, regular maintenance is necessary; any roots or runners that escape or grow over the rim must be pruned back immediately.