I get black on the mint leaves and the plant dies. What is this? How do I protect/care for the plant?
It appears to be a fugal issue. Spray the tops and soil with a few drops of one or more (if not all) of these ingredients mixed into warm water and a spoonful of coconut oil: Rosemary oil, garlic oil, clove oil.
You can even mix half peroxide, and half water next time you water. This will help kill off anything in the soil, and help oxygenate the roots. Most people don't realize that ,although the plant breathes and uses co2, it also needs oxygen at the root zone.
This will bring back your mint. Also, it would like to be in the brightest window possible, or under horticultural lighting. Watch how much water you use, and keep the soil moist. Not wet or dry, but in-between.
Hi! I bought a mint plant a few weeks ago. But when my friend saw my newly potted herb friend, she said it wasn't mint. It smelled like mint-y toothpaste, but she said it was different. Now I'm confused. Can you help me identify my plant? Your help is very much appreciated!
It is definitely mint. There are many, many different kinds of mint. She may be used to seeing your typical spearmint. If it looks like mint, and quacks like mint... It must be mint. There are very few plants that produce the same oils that mint does, so you would know if what you had was mint or not.
This article will help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/mint-plant-varieties.htm
I recently bought two mint plants off ebay from two different sellers. I transplanted them and they seemed to do fine Then the leaves started disappearing. One morning I saw a green worm crawling on the pot. I immediately put them outdoors I was disgusted. How did these worms come about in an indoor plant? I didn't see anything unusual when transplanting. I used Miracla Grow soil. Thanks. P.S. I'm also expecting some new plants in the mail bought from The Growers Exchange. I really don't know if I want worms in my new houseplants. Jackie
I am not sure how the caterpillars arrived, but it's possible that the eggs were in/on the plants you ordered, or even perhaps in the pots you transplanted into. The best remedy for caterpillars, especially if they're on a small number of plants, is to simply check the plants every day and remove and kill any caterpillars you see, until you don't see any more for several days. And check the other plants you ordered when they arrive, in case of any other insect infestation.
I have a small edible garden grown on composted soil with mint, lettuces, green onions, tomatoes, broccoli, and kale. I see your article about guano being a good fertilizer. Is this the case for edible gardens? We have just found a bat roosting nest above our garden. Apparently, they urinate/defecate when exiting their nest. Dont bats carry diseases and their feces causes health issues in humans? Can my edible garden be safe?
I don't recommend using any guano that is not composted or heat treated. I do, however, notice what looks like a spot of powdery mildew on one of your crops. This is usually caused by overly humid or moist conditions either around the plant or in the soil. I would recommend spraying with neem oil, and washing thoroughly before eating just to be safe.
What type of mint?
Most types of mint are hardy in these areas, but one of the most hardy which survives even into zone 3 is chocolate mint. Here is a collection of articles on many mint varieties which will help you to choose one best suited for your area: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/
Is it possible to grow mint in a bottle of water indefinitely. Not just to get roots and then plant in soil but to leave in a pretty red bottle I have in the kitchen.
It is possible to grow many herbs in water for long periods of time provided you keep the water changed and check the roots each time to ensure no rotting occurs. Here is more information that may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/grow-herbs-in-water.htm
After planting in outdoor soil should I water them right away?
Yes, water right away to eliminate large air pockets. Mint is one of the few plants that will literally take over your garden. It spreads via underground stems (stolons) and prolific seeding. Because it is difficult to remove once it is established, many gardeners choose to grow mint family plants in containers. Another option is to sink a solid (no perforations) PVC or cement pipe at least 12" into the soil and plant mint inside. Leave 2" above ground.