Mint..will it come back?

[Smoggy67]

Hi again all..
Just spent the day fine riddling the soil on my patch to make it totally ready, andwas soimpressed just needed to plant something. Put in onion sets, garlic and some spring cabbage - but my concern is for my mint..

A friend dug up a large lump of mint with its roots, as it was taking over a bit in he's garden - he had trimmed it back to bare stems but said it grows like wildfire and would soon come back. It has been in 2 weeks and it looks exactly the same?

Is this because its autumn, hence growing has stopped - or is it as I expect, actually beyond revival?

Many thanx in advance..

DAV

[sewer rat]

It will return in the Spring - probably with a vengeance. I would suggest that you lift it again just now, then dig a hole big enough to take a decent sized bucket, remove the bottom from the bucket, place it in the hole and replant the mint in the bucket after you have filled it. This will help to contain the root system and stop or at least drastically slow down the invasive qualities of the mint.

[lettucegrow!]

I don't think you can get rid of it!!!

[Two_Sheds]

absolutely don't just plant it in the ground, it will invade everything !
Pop it in an open-bottomed bucket like Rat says. Water it in well, then forget it until spring

[bobleponge]

Wot they said, its a really virulent grower, will take over acres of land if its left unchecked.
The previous owners of my place put some mint in the deck and its a nightmare. I have tried 3 times now to get rid of it and it appears back every spring, seemingly worse than before.
The bucket as Rat suggested is a good idea, but if it was me, I would grow it on a patio/hard standing in a bucket, and just change the soil every couple of years. You will find it very hard to kill mint, its proper tough.

[Flummery]

Mine's in a big pot, sunk in the ground, at my allotment. I hope it can't get out - but I wouldn't be surprised if it cracked the pot and made a run for it. You can't kill the stuff.

[ginger ninger]

If you've found something to kill mint, your on to a winner. Mine's in a terracotta pot out side the back door, as everyone has said "Don't put it straight in the ground", if you do...you WILL live to regret it

[Jardiniere]

the mint i had in my garden in london took it upon itself to die ....none left at all.....however i had previously taken a cutting so it lives on in the garden here...

[Smoggy67]

Thank you all - advice heeded!
Will dig up tomorrow and pot it on patio I think...

Also, im absolutely buzzing today - just got my first ever greenhouse - so no doubt more advice requested soon re that..lol

[Guzzik]

Mint is a weed, it has the same root structure (more or less) like Coutch Grass, therefore, Mint likes to sulk and hide when dug up/over/hacked back etc, then, when the unwary gardener is not looking or, has succumbed to a false sense of security, it takes over everywhere in about a week!!

[organic]

I think I'll stop weeding around the mint on my plot!
I love the stuff - beautiful smell and taste - but if it's going to be this much bother and is that hardy I think I'll take the above advice and stick it in a pot. It'll go really nicely next to the seating area when I finally get that far into my plans!

Thanks for a good thread, Smoggy, and for some really helpful replies everyone else.

[greasyfire]

What is the best way for killing mint without killing anyother plants surrounding it

[Bigmallly]

This is an extract from another forum.

Mint suffers from only one disease and that is rust - allow it to get a hold and it will kill all your mint plants.

I think there is more chance of mint killing your plants.

[Jeanied]

That's odd, BM - my mint had mildew this year. Dunno if it is a perennial prob. with this variety or not as I've only had it for a while! It's planted in a pot on the lottie in full sun.