Understanding Brown Mint: Exploring Causes and Easy Solutions for a Common Ailment in Your Mint Plants
Growing herbs is a favorite pastime, and I love having mint in my yard, it adds a delightful aroma and is perfect for cooking. However, I've had my fair share of struggles with mint, especially when it starts to turn a disturbing brown. If you've grown mint before, you might have experienced this issue too. Even the easiest mint varieties can fall victim to pests, fungal diseases, and nutrient deficiencies - all of which cause mint to go brown.
Let's talk about one of the most common causes - mint rust. It got the best of me once, leaving my mint looking like it had picked up a rusty coat. Mint rust is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Puccinia menthae, and it's not a situation you want to find yourself in. Too much humidity and moisture is the perfect environment for this fungus to thrive, and it can spread through debris, soil, and infected plants. The result? Distorted shoots, defoliation, and browning foliage.
When I noticed the telltale signs of mint rust, I didn't waste a minute. I pruned away the infected parts of the plant to prevent the black resting spores from working their way into the soil. Luckily, I was growing my mint in a pot, so I was able to contain the issue early on. Growing mint indoors can help you stay on top of the problem too.
If your infected mint is growing alongside other plants, you'll want to remove the infected rhizomes and consider repositioning healthy stems. As a last resort, you can immerse the rhizomes in hot water (111°F) for about 10 minutes. Just remember to use a water thermometer to ensure you don't cook the plant.
But wait! What if your mint isn't browning due to mint rust? Don't worry; I've got you covered. There are several other reasons your mint might be turning brown. One of the most common mistakes in herb gardening is getting watering wrong. Mint needs moisture, but it doesn't appreciate being overwatered. It can also suffer from leaf scorch if it spends too much time in direct sunlight or a lack of essential nutrients.
To solve the overwatering issue, invest in a soil moisture meter and top up your mint's water when the meter indicates the soil is dry one to two inches down. Leaf scorch can be addressed by moving your mint plant to a more shaded spot. If your mint is deficient in nutrients, a balanced fertilizer will give it a much-needed boost. And if you're growing mint in containers, make sure the soil is the right type and consider repotting if necessary.
FAQs
Can you revive a wilted mint plant?Yes, it is possible to revive a wilted mint plant. First, remove the damaged leaves using essential pruning tools. After that, provide the plant with optimal growing conditions: fresh potting soil, warm and bright, yet shaded light, and not letting the soil dry out completely. During active growth, you can even give your mint a little nutrient boost through periodic fertilization.
As a precaution, I recommend propagating my mint plant to ensure my supply stays healthy. It's a simple and straightforward process, and mint roots quickly in water. Consider adding some herbs that grow well with mint to your herb garden to encourage healthy and robust growth.
Shopping Essentials
Grow mint effortlessly in water with this complete kit. Use these gardening scissors for easy herb cuttings and gentle watering of young plants using this water bottle. Essential pruning tools like these herb snips will help you maintain a neat and healthy mint plant.
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- Growing mint in containers can help you stay on top of the problem too, making gardening a pleasant addition to your home-and-garden lifestyle.
- Consider adding some herbs that grow well with mint to your home-and-garden, creating a delightful aroma and flavorful ingredients for cooking, enhancing your overall lifestyle.
