Growing versatile peppermint

When my peppermint roots get going in spring, it is time to pull some up from the cracks in the concrete and give some away. It is time to savour a cup of fresh peppermint tea. Just three leaves are enough per cup but some people like 10.

My first hot drink of the day, always before breakfast, is usually made using something straight from my garden. In winter it tends to be fresh rosemary or parsley. Occasionally it is lemon verbena, picked before it flowered in autumn, dried and stored in jars.

So it is a delight to pick some sprigs of peppermint, with or without roots attached, pop them in a glass and offer them to anyone who pops in.

On Wednesdays, when I am on deck at Whanganui Environment Base, I like to bring something from my garden to share. Last month it was Jerusalem artichokes. This month, it is peppermint. If you want some, place your order now by phoning 345 6000.

Peppermint: easy to grow but must be contained. Photo / Getty Images

All mint is easy to grow by root divisions or cuttings. However, it must be contained. It is so vigorous that it will spread throughout your garden if you make the mistake of planting it without the restriction of a physical barrier.

If you grow it in a pot, place the pot in partial shade. Sink the pot into the ground but have the rim about three centimetres higher than the surrounding soil. If your container is on a deck or other area away from the garden, keep the dish beneath watered. Change the soil, compost or potting mix every two years to prevent rust.

My peppermint is a refreshing drink in summer.