Using Mint as Groundcover: A Gardener’s Guide
Mint is a popular herb known for its refreshing scent and flavor. It’s also a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes, including groundcover.
What is Groundcover Mint?
Groundcover mint is a type of mint that is used to cover the ground in gardens and landscapes. It is a low-growing plant that spreads quickly and easily, forming a dense mat that can help to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Benefits of Using Mint as Groundcover
There are many benefits to using mint as groundcover, including:
- Weed suppression: Mint’s dense growth habit helps to crowd out weeds, reducing the need for weeding.
- Soil retention: Mint’s roots help to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion and runoff.
- Moisture retention: Mint’s dense foliage helps to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for watering.
- Pest deterrence: Mint’s strong scent repels many common garden pests.
- Erosion control: Mint’s mat-forming growth habit helps to prevent erosion on slopes and other areas prone to soil loss.
Choosing the Right Mint Variety for Groundcover
There are many different varieties of mint that can be used as groundcover. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Corsican mint (M. requienii): This variety is a low-growing, mat-forming mint that is ideal for groundcover. It is tolerant of foot traffic and has a pleasant minty or sage-like aroma.
- Creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea): This variety is a fast-growing, low-growing mint that is often used as a groundcover in shady areas. It has small, round leaves and produces blue flowers in the spring.
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium): This variety is a low-growing, creeping mint that is often used as a groundcover in dry, sunny areas. It has small, round leaves and produces purple flowers in the summer.
How to Plant Mint Groundcover
Planting mint groundcover is easy. Simply follow these steps:
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the mint plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.
How to Care for Mint Groundcover
Mint groundcover is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are a few tips:
- Water: Mint groundcover needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.
- Fertilizer: Mint groundcover does not need to be fertilized regularly. However, if the plants are not growing well, you can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Pruning: Mint groundcover can be pruned to control its growth and shape. Pruning is best done in the spring or fall.
Conclusion
Mint groundcover is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can provide a number of benefits to your garden. By following the tips in this article, you can successfully grow and maintain mint groundcover in your own garden.
