Mint is one of the most popular herbs to grow in home gardens. With its fresh invigorating scent and flavor mint has countless uses from teas and cocktails to sauces, jellies, and more. However, this fast-spreading plant can quickly become invasive in flower beds and overwhelm other plants. Dividing mint plants regularly is the key to keeping your mint patch under control and the plants healthy and vigorous.
When to Divide Mint Plants
Timing is important when dividing mint. The best time is in early spring, just as the plants begin actively growing. dividing in fall can also work well. Avoid dividing mint in the heat of summer, as this stresses the plants. Some signs it’s time to divide mint include:
- Reduced vigor and leaf production
- Dead spots developing in the center of the clump
- The mint patch exceeding the space you want it to fill
- Overcrowding leading to fewer blooms
Dividing every 2-3 years prevents overcrowding and rejuvenates the plants. Don’t wait until the mint patch is choking out other plants—act while the plants are still relatively small for easiest dividing.
How to Prepare for Dividing Mint
Before dividing your mint gather these supplies to make the job easier
- Small pots or trays for the divided plants
- Garden trowel or fork
- Sharp, clean knife or pruners
- Watering can
Next, water the mint plants well the day before dividing. This helps loosen the soil and makes digging up the clump easier. Cut back any dead stems and remove weeds around the mint. Prepare the new planting area by loosening soil and mixing in compost.
Step-By-Step Guide to Dividing Mint
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Loosen the roots by digging around the mint clump with a garden fork. Lift the entire clump out of the ground.
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Shake or rinse off excess soil to expose the roots. Look for places where natural divisions have formed.
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Gently pull apart the root clump into smaller sections. Aim for clumps with 3-5 stems each.
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Use a sharp knife to divide any thick, tangled root mass and separate plants.
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Cut off any dead or damaged roots or stems. Keep plenty of healthy roots attached to each clump.
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Replant divisions 12-18 inches apart in prepared soil. Firm the soil around the roots.
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Water divisions thoroughly after planting to encourage root growth.
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Consider potting up a few divisions to give away or expand your mint collection.
Caring for Divided Mint Plants
Keep your divided mint plants thriving with proper care:
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Water 1-2 times per week during dry periods
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Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
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Watch for pests like spider mites and aphids
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Prune off any dead or damaged growth
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Harvest often by cutting stems to a leaf node
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Remove flower spikes to prolong leaf production
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Re-divide when plants exceed their space again
Proper watering and fertilizing is crucial for divided mint in the first season. An organic mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture. Be prepared to divide again in a couple years when the mint grows back vigorously.
Propagating Mint from Divisions
Dividing provides the perfect opportunity to propagate more mint for free. You can simply pot up divisions, but also try:
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Taking stem cuttings from healthy growth and rooting in water
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Layering stems by pinning them to soil so they root
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Planting runners that form on the soil’s surface
Once rooted and established, new plants can be planted in the garden or given to gardening friends. When mint is happy, it spreads readily, giving you plenty of new plants to share.
Tips for Dividing Mint Successfully
Follow these tips to master dividing mint:
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Use a shovel to cut cleanly through mint roots and divide the mass into clumps
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Avoid over-dividing plants into pieces that are too small
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Refresh soil by mixing compost into the planting area
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Transplant divisions quickly to avoid roots drying out
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Plant divisions at the same depth they were originally growing
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Apply rooting hormone to newly divided plants to stimulate growth
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Keep soil moist but not soaked for 2-3 weeks after dividing
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Use barriers like metal strips or pots to contain spread after planting
Common Questions about Dividing Mint
If you’re new to dividing plants, you probably have a few questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How often should you divide mint?
Every 2-3 years to rejuvenate the plants. Don’t wait longer than 3 years.
Can you divide mint in the summer?
It’s best to avoid summer dividing, as heat stresses the plants. Stick to spring or fall.
Do you have to divide the whole mint clump at once?
No, you can divide part of the clump one year, and the remainder the following year.
How much root should be on each divided piece?
Aim for clumps with 3-5 stems and plenty of healthy roots attached.
Can divided mint be planted in the same spot?
It’s best to move divided mint to a new area to prevent rapid re-crowding.
Keep Your Mint Garden Lush and Healthy
Dividing overgrown mint regularly is crucial to maintaining a healthy, vigorous patch that looks and smells amazing. Follow the tips in this guide to properly divide and replant mint for maximum lush growth. Dividing mint takes a little work, but within weeks your refreshed plants will be thriving.
How: 4
When: 3
Divide: 17
Mint: 29
Plant: 14
Clump: 3
Root: 10
Soil: 6
Stem: 4
Spring: 2
Fall: 2
Water: 3
Propagate: 2
Pot: 3
Healthy: 5
Vigorous: 2
Overcrowded: 2
Rejuvenate: 2
