Also scientifically known as Mentha, this herb is a very scented and flavorful perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It is known for its green leaves and stems, with white or sometimes lavender blossoms.

Mint is used in a variety of cuisine and medicinal uses. Cooking wise, it is found in several recipes for teas, sweet treats, alcoholic beverages, and sometimes lamb dishes. On the medicinal side, Mint was first used to help with stomach and chest pain. Currently it is used commonly as a decongestant to help with the common cold. Mint is also used in several beauty products.

To help maintain this beautiful versatile herb in a garden, it requires moist, well drained medium rich soil, and partial sun. Mint is actually a very strong herb and can withstand many different weather conditions. Mint spreads very quickly, so in spring attempt to separate the roots to prevent over-crowding. Keeping it in a separate container or pot would also be beneficial.

Mint self-pollinates, and creates new cross breeds and hybrids of the herb. But these new offspring tend to be less flavorful and have a weaker scent. Try to keep trimming the blossoms to prevent this from happening to keep a more pure version of the plant on hand.

Fun Fact: Mint oil is used as an environmentally safe insecticide