People like to grow mint in their gardens more than any other herb. Mint is easy to grow, but it needs to be watered properly to stay healthy and grow well. Its refreshing smell and taste can be used in homemade tea, cocktails, salads, desserts, and more. But because there are so many things to think about, it can be hard to know how often to water mint.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how often you should be watering mint, whether you’re growing it outdoors in the garden or indoors in containers We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and tips for determining when your mint needs water.
Key Factors That Influence Mint’s Water Needs
How often you need to water your mint will vary based on several key factors:
Plant Size and Age
-
Smaller, younger mint plants need more frequent watering than larger, more established plants.
-
Seedlings and newly planted mints require very regular watering, sometimes daily or every other day.
-
Mature mint plants can go longer between waterings, closer to 1-2 times per week.
Container vs In-Ground
-
Mint grown in containers needs more frequent watering than mint planted directly in garden beds. Containers dry out faster.
-
In-ground mint has more access to soil moisture and doesn’t need watering as often.
Climate and Season
-
Hot, dry weather causes soil to dry out faster, so mint needs more frequent watering in summer heat.
-
Cooler weather and rain allow you to water less frequently.
-
Adjust watering with seasonal changes.
Sun Exposure
-
Mint in full sun needs more frequent watering than mint in part shade or shade.
-
Containers in full sun dry out most rapidly.
Soil Type
-
Sandy and fast-draining soils require more frequent watering for mint.
-
Loamy and clay soils retain more moisture so mint needs less frequent watering.
-
Add compost to improve moisture retention in sandy soils.
How Often to Water Mint Outdoors
If you plant mint directly in garden beds, you should water it once or twice a week as a general rule. But keep an eye on the soil’s moisture and make changes as needed based on the weather, the type of soil, and other factors.
Here are some more specific outdoor mint watering guidelines:
-
Newly planted mint: Water 2-3 times per week until well established.
-
Established mint in spring and fall: Water 1 time per week.
-
Established mint in summer: Water 2-3 times per week.
-
Established mint in drought or extreme heat: Water 3-4 times per week.
-
After heavy rain: Wait to water until soil is partly dry.
Always do a soil moisture check before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil by the roots. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If still damp, hold off.
Water mint from the ground up, being careful not to get the leaves wet. Wet foliage encourages disease. Give it about one to two inches of water a week through rain or watering.
How Often to Water Mint in Containers
Mint grown in containers needs more frequent watering than in-ground mint. Here are general guidelines:
-
Newly planted mint: Water daily or every other day.
-
Established mint in spring and fall: Water 2-3 times per week.
-
Established mint in summer heat: Water daily or every other day.
-
In drought/extreme heat: Water at least every other day.
Check soil moisture daily by inserting your finger into the soil. Water whenever top 1-2 inches become dry. Provide enough water so it drains from the container’s bottom.
Small containers like windowsill pots need daily watering. Larger planters like half barrels may only need water every 2-3 days. Adjust amounts based on soil dryness.
Tips for Watering Mint
Follow these tips for successfully watering both indoor and outdoor mint:
-
Always check soil moisture before watering. Water only when needed.
-
Water at the soil level, not from overhead. Keep foliage dry.
-
Water thoroughly until it drains from containers. Don’t let pots sit in water.
-
Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
-
Consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses for large plantings.
-
Mulch around mint to conserve moisture.
-
Cut back on watering after heavy rains.
-
If mint wilts, water immediately and rehydrate dry soil.
Signs Your Mint Needs Water
Monitor your mint’s appearance and growth to determine when it needs a good drink. Signs it’s thirsty include:
-
Wilting, drooping leaves
-
Leaves that feel dry or crispy
-
Stunted growth
-
Smaller than usual new leaves
-
Soil is completely dry 1-2 inches down
-
Pot feels very lightweight when lifted
-
Mint loses its vibrant green color
If you see these signs, thoroughly water your mint right away and continue regular watering to prevent stress. Underwatered mint that doesn’t receive moisture fast enough can decline or die.
Overwatering Mint
While regular water is important, it is possible to overwater mint. Excess moisture can lead to issues like:
-
Root rot due to soggy, waterlogged soil
-
Increased risk of fungal diseases
-
Slow growth
-
Yellowing leaves
-
Plant death
Check the soil often and only water when the top layer is dry to avoid overwatering. Ensure containers and beds have good drainage.
When to Water Mint
The ideal time to water mint is in the early morning. This allows the foliage to dry out during the day, preventing the wet conditions that diseases like.
Many gardeners avoid watering mint in the evening. Wet leaves overnight create a prime environment for disease development.
Water mint at any time of day if the plant is severely drooping from lack of water. It’s better to hydrate wilted mint ASAP than to wait until morning.
Keep Your Mint Thriving
Now that you know how often to properly water mint, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving. Monitor soil moisture, adjust for weather and plant age, and watch for signs of underwatering. With the right watering strategy, you’ll enjoy an abundant harvest of delicious, homegrown mint all season long.
Choose the right location:
Mint prefers a location with partial to full sun and well-drained compost.
Learn more about the best compost for gardens.
Can You Overwater Mint Plants?
Yes, you can overwater mint plants.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common problem in mint plants.
This happens when the roots stay wet for a long time, making them waterlogged and easy to rot.
When a mint plant’s roots rot, its leaves can turn yellow and wilt. The plant may also stop growing or grow very slowly.
If the root rot is severe, it can kill the plant.
To avoid overwatering, its important to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust watering as needed.
Mint plants prefer soil that is evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
To determine if your mint needs water, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep.
If the soil feels dry, its time to water.
In addition to monitoring the soil moisture level, its also important to use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the container has drain holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away from the roots.
For more watering tips, check out my guide:
For more herb inspiration, check out my guides:
Gardening 101: How Often to Water Mint for Lush Growth
FAQ
Do you have to water mint everyday?
Mint grows best in moist conditions so use your judgment based on the precipitation level of your season and region. If you’re not sure, just check the soil; it should be a little moist. Most gardeners find success watering every 2 to 4 days. Don’t water daily.
Does mint need a lot of sunlight?
Mint plants generally prefer full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
What are the signs of overwatering in mint?
Telltale Symptoms of Mushy Mint Leaves Yellowing leaves and a general look of plant melancholy are the first red flags. Leaves that feel like they’ve been soaked in sorrow, with a texture that’s too tender, point to overwatering.
How do I make my mint plant happy?
Water and Sunlight Requirements Mint plants prefer consistently moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly — daily or every other day when in containers, during the heat of summer. However, avoid over-watering and water-logging to prevent root rot.