You can even have it in your Barth! (Mint)

Member Name: firemanspam

Product:	Mint
Date:	10/01/09 (179 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very seful plant.

Disadvantages: Can spread like wildfire.

MINT - from the family Lamiaceae, but you don't want to know that, you want to read about interesting things. You can buy up to 40 varieties of Mint, but we are talking about Mint in general.

This humble Mint plant, must be one of the most underrated plants in the garden. It is good for hanging up in the house to deter flies, it has antiseptic qualities, was used to clean wounds in the old days, and has been used as a mouth freshener. It is also supposed to be a cure for hiccups.

The small leaves can be used in cooking, and many cooks always put a few small leaves in the pan with potatoes being boiled. You can also use it as a "Bouquet Garni" of course. Or, how about mixing it with Butter to make a savoury spread? Another use is of course Mint Tea, you only need a few leaves, simply cover with boiling water, leave for a few minutes and drink. This is supposed to be good for flatulence, headaches, and digestion.

You can buy dried Mint, fresh is best, but you can always dry your own very easily. Simply place between sheets of newspaper in an airing cupboard.

The leaves can also be used to make jellies and sauces of course. Vermin also hate the smell, so it makes a good Mice and Rat deterrent in garages and sheds.

Although originally from the more temperate climes of Europe, and also Asia and Africa, these herbs have become very hardy for our climate. The plants were brought here by the Romans, what else have the Romans ever done for us?

The plants tend to like the sun, but will tolerate quite a lot of shade. The roots must be in soil, which does not need to be decent stuff, as long as it is well drained.

The best way to grow Mint, is in a container, either free standing next to the back door, or buried in the garden, if you don't use a container, they will spread all over the garden. There is no need to buy a proper planter, an old bucket will do. The plants do not like to dry out, but will recover if allowed to, so if you are off on holiday, there is no need to ask neighbours to water them.

The name comes from the nymph Menthe, who was turned into a plant by the goddess Perserpina, when she found out that Pluto was in love with her.

Another use for the plant, is when you Ladies run a bath, (or Barth as some of you pronounce it) tie a sprig of Mint under the hot tap, the scent will fill the room, you are supposed to enjoy that sort of thing.

As for propogation, simple, just divide every few years, there is no need to do cuttings, but you can if you want. Seeds are not recommended. They do benefit from a liquid feed now & then, or use a well rotted farmyard manure. The plants can be cut back to ground level without any harm, it actually encourages new leaf growth.

There you have it, even in your bath!

Summary: A much underrated plant.