Where should you not plant mint?

Answered by Robert Dupre

When it comes to planting mint, there are certain companions that you should avoid. One important thing to remember is not to plant lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme near mint. These herbs are not good companions for mint because they can inhibit its growth and affect its flavor.

Another set of bad mint companions includes basil, chamomile, and parsley. These herbs can also have a negative impact on the growth and development of mint. It is best to keep these herbs separate from your mint plants to ensure their optimal growth.

In fact, most common herbs do not make good companions for mint. This is because mint has a tendency to spread and take over the garden. Planting it near other herbs can result in the mint overpowering and outcompeting them. Therefore, it is advisable to keep mint separate from other herbs unless you want it to take over the area.

It is also worth noting that mint can be quite invasive, spreading rapidly and taking over the surrounding space. If you plant mint directly in the ground, it is essential to ensure that it has enough room to roam freely without encroaching on other plants or areas of your garden. If you are concerned about its invasive nature, it may be wise to grow mint in containers or pots to keep it contained.

In my personal experience, I made the mistake of planting mint next to my lavender plants. Initially, both plants seemed to be doing well, but over time, the mint started to spread and take over the lavender. Eventually, the lavender was choked out and barely survived. This taught me the important lesson of not planting mint near lavender or other herbs that I want to thrive in my garden.

To summarize, it is best to avoid planting lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme near mint. Additionally, basil, chamomile, parsley, and most common herbs should not be planted alongside mint due to its invasive nature. If you do decide to plant mint directly in the ground, ensure it has enough space to roam freely without overpowering other plants. By being mindful of mint’s companions and its invasive tendencies, you can create a harmonious and well-balanced garden.