When picking between mint pots or ground, containers win for most home gardeners. Mint grows strong in both settings. But pots keep the plant under control while ground planting often leads to a full garden takeover. A good pot gives you healthy growth and a size you can manage.
I learned this the hard way with my first mint planting. I tucked a small spearmint start into a raised bed next to my basil. Within one season, runners had spread over 3 feet (1 m) in every direction under the soil. By year two, mint had choked out my basil and started popping up in the walkway. Container vs ground mint became an obvious choice after that mess. My potted mint on the patio stayed put and gave me just as many leaves.
The reason for this spread sits underground. Mint sends out flat rhizomes that run sideways through the soil. Each node on a rhizome can sprout a new plant. These runners travel several feet per season without slowing down. They push through loose soil with ease and can crack through old landscape fabric. This root system makes mint one of the most pushy herbs you can put in open ground.
Mint container gardening gives you all the harvest with none of the risk. UMD Extension says to use pots that are 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) wide with holes in the bottom. This size gives roots enough room to spread and make plenty of leaves. Use potting mix instead of garden soil. Garden soil packs too tight in pots and holds too much water.
If you still want mint in the ground, put in a root barrier before planting. Bury plastic or metal edging at least 10 inches (25 cm) deep. Leave 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) above the soil line. The raised edge catches runners that try to escape over the top. UMD Extension also suggests a bottomless pot method. Cut the base off a large pot and bury it 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) deep. The walls block rhizomes while roots still reach ground moisture.
For most home gardeners, a pot on the patio is the smart call. You get fresh mint all season with zero risk of a garden takeover. Pots let you move mint into shade during heat waves or bring it inside before frost. The trade-off of watering a bit more often is well worth the control you gain over this fast-spreading herb. I tested both methods and always come back to containers for the best results.
Read the full article: Mint Plant: How to Grow and Care for It
