Many gardeners prefer to plant mint under trees, believing that this plant is shade-tolerant. In fact, mint grows better in the sun. The sun’s rays contribute to the rapid growth of green mass and rapid flowering. Let’s consider in detail where it is better to plant mint: in the sun or in the shade, and what are the peculiarities of growing it.
Growing in the shade
When choosing which plant to plant in the shade, many people choose mint. As practice shows, even when planted under the crowns of trees, it grows perfectly.
Mint develops slowly in the shade. But it is even convenient for most summer residents.
Mint is a rather aggressive plant. Under favorable conditions, it quickly grows over the entire area. Lack of light is a limiting factor.
If it is decided to plant mint in the shade, it is important not to allow stagnation of moisture. Wet soil along with a small amount of light lead to rotting of rhizomes. Plant the plant in the shade, but on an elevation. Add some sand to the soil and do not overwater.
Landing algorithm:
- Mix sand, garden soil and peat in equal parts.
- Fill the trench with the mixture and water abundantly.
- Plant mint seedlings at a depth of 5-8 cm.
- Dig in and moisturize.
The plant will grow well in the shade.
Growing in the sun
There are about 25 types of mint: apple, spike, curly, caramel, ginger, chocolate… But only peppermint is used in official medicine. It has the highest concentration of essential oil and menthol. It is grown on an industrial scale on plantations bathed in the sun.
Mint is grown in the sun for a rich harvest.
When grown in the sun, mint blooms around May. During the flowering phase, the green mass accumulates the maximum amount of essential oils. The leaves reach the peak of their juiciness and aroma. After that, the bushes are cut and dried at a temperature not higher than 40 degrees.
Under the scorching rays of the sun, young plants can burn. After noon, they need to create a light penumbra.
Other features of mint
Mint is unpretentious – it’s true. It can grow on any soil, in the shade, in a pot on the windowsill. The plant rarely gets sick and is damaged by pests. But before you plant it, you need to take into account a number of features:
- Mint grows very quickly and can soon take over the garden. So that the area does not turn into mint bushes, planting must be limited by metal circles made of barrels or sheets of slate. Many people plant bushes in a tire filled with soil.
- Mint care is almost not required. At first, it is watered very often – 2-4 times a week (in the evening). As it grows, the frequency of watering is reduced. Adult bushes can be watered once every 1.5-2 weeks. If the summer is rainy, the plant gets enough natural precipitation as rain.
- To obtain lush low bushes, the tops of mint are pinched. After that, the side stems begin to grow actively.
- Once every few years, plants are recommended to be transplanted to a new place. In 2–3 years, the composition of the soil becomes poorer, and fastidious varieties (for example, peppermint) begin to feel bad.
So, mint loves the sun, but it can also grow in the shade. If the goal is not to collect a large harvest in the shortest possible time, you can plant it under trees or near a fence. It will not affect the taste and healing properties. The only thing is that the plant will develop more slowly and will bloom a few weeks later than the stated period.