Amazing Mints

Mints make a wonderful addition to any garden. Their aromatic foliage not only repels some insects, but it also helps keep mice away. Mints are great in the kitchen too! From mint jellies and flavored teas to medicinal remedies and beauty products, Mint is one of the most diverse and useful herbs in the garden. 

Here are some common varieties:

Apple Mint: also called "Wooly mint". Apple mint  has a mild apple/mint flavor that is perfect for a nice hot tea. 

Black Peppermint: If you're a fan of Creme-de-Menthe, this is the herb for you! Used as a flavoring in making Creme-de-Menthe, this highly aromatic herb is as pretty as it is useful, with deep purple veins and stems and delicate purple flowers. It also makes a great addition to potpourris.

Chocolate Mint: A popular mint among chocolate lovers, this plant has a flavor akin to chocolate-mint candies. It can be used as a tea or chopped and added to dessert dishes and fresh fruit. 

Orange Mint: This plant is often used in aromatherapy to help treat depression. It's delicious orange-lemon scent is a great mood-enhancer and makes for a great addition to room deodorizers, natural cleansers and beauty products such as soap. It is good for repelling mice as well. Orange Mint is also known as "Citrus Mint" and "Bergamot Mint".

Pennyroyal: Though not edible, Pennyroyal excels as a flea and insect repellent and makes for a beautiful, aromatic ground cover. 

Peppermint: A favorite tea during winter holidays, this amazing mint will keep harmful insects such as cabbage moths and cucumber beetles away from your vegetable garden! One more reason to keep this handy herb nearby. It is also used to treat nausea.

Pineapple Mint: This plant is known  as a trickster. Though it has a surprising pineapple scent, it doesn't taste like pineapple at all. It's pretty multi-color leaves and off-white flowers make a lovely garnish for summer dishes.

Spearmint: Another mint good at repelling mice and flies. This highly aromatic herb is popular for making mint jellies, sauces and teas. It is also known as "Pea mint", "Garden mint" and "lamb mint".

A Note on Growing Mints: 

Mints are very invasive plants. It's best to plant them in containers or to use garden "dams" when planting directly into the garden .