Question about Mint and your Herb Garden

[PAMMELA]

I'm new to growing my own herbs and I have planted mint, basil and parsley. The mint is out of control! I have them all together (but separated in area) in one big outside pot.

My question is: Is mint an herb that takes over your herb garden? Should I just trim it back? It's probably the herb I use the least of.

Thanks!:)

[fci5767]

Originally posted by PAMMELA
My question is: Is mint an herb that takes over your herb garden?

YES! It really should be in it's own pot if you are gardening in containers. I can't help you with the rest. I've got the brownest thumb on the planet. But I remember mint from my childhood garden.

Good luck.

[Canice]

Oh yea, it's relentless!
There's an article about mint in this month's Sunset magazine, and an herb specialist recommends growing it in low, wide bowls.
The roots are shallow and creep out horizontally, so I don't know how effective it will be to cut it back - I gave up on mine!

[PAMMELA]

Great:rolleyes: Should have did a tad bit more research I see!

[Beth]

I have a pineapple sage that is doing the same thing. My mint is in a pot though.

[lonetree1353]

I have another brown thumb here as well. I put in some basil as well as other herbs in a container on the balcony and everything is doing well except the basil. The leaves are going a light colour with brown on the edges and the top of the plants are brown. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? TIA

[Canice]

It's only recently that I've had any real success with herbs, but I've utterly given up on basil. Maureen, you likely have the same problem I do: weather. That said, a friend of mine in Seattle has grown masses of gorgeous basil; I remember seeing little "hot houses" made of big plastic milk jugs that he put over the plants when they were small.

Oh yea, Beth --sage. I had to pull all mine up! But it got giant like a bush, not that insidious creeping and conquering of the mint :p .

[mbrogier]

Originally posted by lonetree1353
I have another brown thumb here as well. I put in some basil as well as other herbs in a container on the balcony and everything is doing well except the basil. The leaves are going a light colour with brown on the edges and the top of the plants are brown. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? TIA

If you're watering well, I think they're not getting enough light. Basil loves light. Put them in morning sun if you can.

I just planted some herbs yesterday. I planted two nice tall basil plants. I gave them a really nice sunny spot.