where can i purchase mint plants

Where to Purchase Mint Plants for Your Garden

With its signature fresh aroma and flavor, mint is a versatile herb that every gardener should consider growing But where can you find and purchase good quality mint plants? This guide covers the best places to buy mint plants for your home garden or indoor containers

Nurseries and Garden Centers

Local nurseries and garden centers are a top choice for finding mint plants for sale. Reputable nurseries offer healthy thriving plants and the expertise of knowledgeable staff. Peruse the herb section to view potted mint varieties like peppermint spearmint, orange mint, chocolate mint, etc.

Inspect plants closely for signs of health – avoid any with yellowing, spotted, or limp leaves. Also check for pest damage. Chooseyoung plants with vigorous growth in 4-6 inch pots. Nurseries allow you to see and select specific plants in person.

Online Herb Retailers

Purchasing mint plants online is very convenient, providing home delivery often at lower prices. Reputable online retailers like The Growers Exchange offer a wide selection of mint varieties at reasonable costs.

Order plants while dormant in early spring and they’ll arrive ready to transplant once weather warms. Look for sellers with strong customer reviews and satisfaction guarantees. Order early as quantities are limited.

Things to check when buying mint plants online:

• Healthy, pest/disease-free plants
• Multiple mint varieties available
• Good customer service and guarantees
• Shipping dates timed for your planting zone
• Established sellers with proven growing methods

Online purchasing avoids the guesswork of local nursery stock. Just ensure you order from experienced herb growers.

Farmer’s Markets

Many local farmer’s markets offer booths with potted herb plants in spring and summer. This allows you to shop locally and support small businesses. Chat with vendors to learn about their mint varieties and growing methods.

Check plants closely for good health and vigor when purchasing at markets. Also look for proper labeling of mint types like pineapple mint, ginger mint, etc.

Big Box Stores

Large home improvement and garden stores like Home Depot often carry a selection of mint plants in their garden centers. While convenient, quality and selection may be more limited. Still, reputable chains receive plants from major growers and offer replacements for any that fail to thrive.

Provide proper care after purchasing and mint plants from big box stores can flourish just as well. Shop early in the season for the healthiest specimens.

Plant Swaps

Connect with fellow gardeners through plant swaps via online groups or clubs. You may find someone thinning out their mint patch who will share extras for free or in trade. This is a fun way to experiment with unique mint types you won’t find at stores.

Just be sure to inspect any plants acquired through swaps and isolate them for a few weeks to ensure they are pest and disease free before introducing to your garden.

Start from Cuttings

If you have access to an existing mint plant, clipping some stem cuttings is the easiest way to get more plants for free. Cut 4-6 inch pieces below leaf nodes and place in water or moist potting mix. Roots will sprout in 1-2 weeks.

Harvesting cuttings from healthy plants of desired mint varieties ensures the genetics and flavors you want. Go this route if you or a friend already grow mints.

Growing from Seed

Starting mint from seed is more challenging than other propagation methods. Germination is spotty and growth is slow. It can take up to 1-2 months before seedlings are large enough to transplant.

However, seeds offer wider mint variety options. Search online or check catalogs for mint seed packets. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

Key Tips for Buying Mint Plants

When looking to purchase mint plants, keep these tips in mind:

• Seek sellers who specialize in herbs/mints with proven success
• Select young plants with healthy foliage and vigor
• Check root systems for white color and good growth
• Opt for 4-6 inch pots – larger is better
• Buy early while selection is best
• Research optimal planting times for your zone
• Prepare soil ahead with compost and amendments
• Grow different mint varieties for unique flavors

Planting and Caring for Store Bought Mint

After purchasing, transplant mints after any threat of frost has passed, or anytime plants become rootbound in pots. Prepare soil well with organic matter. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.

Water newly planted mints daily until established. Then provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

Harvest mint leaves as needed once plants are established. Prune flower spikes to prolong leaf production. Guide growth by pinching back plant tips.

With the right growing conditions and care, mint plants purchased from reputable sources will thrive beautifully!