Any advice on spearmint growing? Someone gave me a spearmint plant for a gift, and I loved it. It gave off a great fragrance to my living room, and you could just break off a piece here and there to put in your tea. However, those annoying little gnats LOVED it too, and they ate it up. Literally. Those pesky things are unavoidable in Texas, and I'm so used to them, but I'd like to grow spearmint without the fear that it'll be eaten away. How would you grow a spearmint?
You can try using some of the insecticidal soap on the plant. I know this is what I have to do on all of my outside plants to keep them healthy! If I do not do this, then the bugs eat them up right away as well!
Thank you for your advice! What brand of insecticidal soap do you use? I want something that is going to be safe for the inside of my home. I don't want to use any harsh industrial insecticides. I also hope to put together some Miracle Grow mix. Is it safe to eat a plant enhanced by Miracle Grow?
I put in some spearmint last year and it has spread a lot this year. I haven't noticed any insects here, but I'll have to watch out. We like to put it in ice cubes and add to iced tea and water. It's just so easy to grow here.
If you grow spearmint inside it is important to not let the soil get too moist. It is the moisture that attracts the bugs. You should also make sure to immediately pick up any leaves that fall. The decaying leaves of an indoor plant (sitting in the pot) allows fungus to build up and also traps in the moisture.
Waynefire is right on the soap. Soap acts as a mild insecticide. Just be careful not to use dawn, it may strip the plant of some of its natural oils. Also, be careful not to plant your Spearmint directly into the soil, it will spread like wildfire!
