Mint is one of the perennial herb plants. While the above-ground parts of the plant die, the rhizomes get through the winter underground well. In regions with harsh winters, however, protection is recommended. We explain how to do it.
How to protect mint in the bed from frost and snow.
As the garden year draws to a close, the last flowers and leaves on mint plants wilt. After the first frost, the above-ground parts of the plant can be cut off and disposed of. If a harsh winter is just around the corner, we recommend these precautions:
- Cover mint in the bed with coniferous twigs or straw.
- here still enough air penetrates, so that no rotting occurs
- place potted plants in front of the south wall of the house on a wooden block
- cover the substrate with sawdust or leaves
- cover the pot with bubble wrap or jute
- Ideally, move the plants to a frost-free, dark winter location.
Experienced hobby gardeners are very happy about permafrost with bright sunshine. However, if the snow does not fall, not only the mint plants are threatened with considerable drought stress. In the frozen ground, the roots can not get moisture, and from above there is no wet supply. In the face of bare frost, the watering can is therefore used to supply the herb plants with water on a frost-free day.
Tips & Tricks
Do you cultivate one of the pure mint species? Then, with a little luck, your specimen will yield a bountiful crop of varietal seed just before winter. Simply collect the ripe, brown fruits and extract the seeds. Stored in a dry, dark place, you’ll grow a new mint next year.
