How To Grow Basil And Mint

You can grow basil and mint successfully in your garden or kitchen with just a little bit of know-how.

Both herbs are incredibly rewarding because they’re fast-growing, fragrant, and perfect for adding fresh flavor to your favorite dishes.

Growing basil and mint isn’t complicated, but these two plants have very different personalities, especially when it comes to their water needs and how they spread.

In this post, we’ll dive into the best ways to grow basil and mint, from starting seeds to harvesting those lush green leaves.

Let’s get your herb garden started on the right foot.

 

Why You Should Grow Basil And Mint Together

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about why you’d want to grow basil and mint in the first place.

These two herbs are staples in so many recipes, and having them fresh on hand changes your cooking completely.

When you grow basil and mint, you get two of the most versatile herbs that can go from savory pasta sauces to refreshing summer drinks.

 

1. They’re Incredibly Easy for Beginners

If you’re new to gardening, you’ll be happy to know that you can grow basil and mint with very little experience.

Mint is almost impossible to kill, and basil is forgiving as long as you give it enough sun and water.

This makes them the perfect first herbs for anyone wanting to build confidence.

 

2. You’ll Save Money at the Grocery Store

Fresh herbs are pricey, and they go bad fast in the fridge.

When you grow basil and mint at home, you can just snip what you need, which means zero waste and tons of savings.

Plus, the flavor is way more intense than anything you’ll find in those little plastic clamshells.

 

3. They Attract Beneficial Pollinators

Both basil and mint produce tiny flowers that bees and butterflies absolutely love.

As you grow basil and mint in your garden, you’ll notice more pollinators visiting, which helps all your other plants thrive too.

Just be sure to pinch off the flowers if you want the leaves to stay flavorful.

 

How To Grow Basil And Mint From Seeds

If you’re starting from scratch, the first step to grow basil and mint is getting those seeds to sprout.

It’s a simple process, but timing and conditions matter.

Here’s how to get it right.

 

1. Start Seeds Indoors for the Best Results

You can plant seeds directly outside, but I recommend starting them indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost.

Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix and press the tiny seeds gently onto the surface.

Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and place the trays in a warm spot with plenty of bright light.

 

2. Use a Heat Mat for Faster Germination

Basil loves warmth, and so does mint, but basil especially benefits from a heat mat.

The ideal soil temperature for basil to germinate is around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mint will germinate a bit more easily, even in cooler soil, but a heat mat speeds things up for both.

You’ll see sprouts in about 7 to 14 days if the conditions are right.

 

3. Harden Off Your Seedlings

Before you move your seedlings outside permanently, you need to harden them off.

This just means slowly introducing them to outdoor conditions over a week.

Start by placing them outside for an hour, then gradually increase the time each day.

This step is crucial to grow basil and mint successfully because it prevents transplant shock.

 

Planting Basil And Mint In Your Garden

Once your seedlings are strong enough, it’s time to get them into the ground or a container.

Here’s where things get interesting, because basil and mint have different needs.

Let’s break down how to plant each one for maximum growth.

 

1. Grow Basil In Full Sun And Well-Drained Soil

Basil is a sun worshipper and needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.

When you grow basil, the soil should be rich, loamy, and drain really well.

Space your basil plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to give them room to bush out.

If you’re growing basil in pots, make sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom.

 

2. Grow Mint In Partial Shade To Control Its Spread

Mint is a bit more forgiving with light, and it actually appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Here’s a huge tip: mint is invasive, so you should never plant it directly into the ground without a barrier.

The best way to grow mint is in a container, even if you sink that container into the ground.

This keeps those underground runners from taking over your entire garden.

 

3. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist

Both herbs love water, but mint needs more moisture than basil.

As you grow basil and mint, check the top inch of soil daily and water when it feels dry.

Basil hates having wet feet, so make sure it’s not sitting in standing water.

Mint actually thrives in damp soil, so you’ll be watering it a little more frequently.

 

Caring For Basil And Mint As They Grow

Your plants are in the ground, the sun is shining, and now you need to keep them happy.

Regular care is the key to a bountiful harvest.

Here’s how to maintain your plants so they stay productive all season long.

 

1. Pinch Back The Tips For Bushier Growth

When your basil plants are about six inches tall, pinch off the top set of leaves.

This simple trick forces the plant to branch out, giving you a much fuller plant.

You should do this for mint too, even though it tends to grow more like a ground cover.

Regular pinching prevents them from becoming tall and leggy.

 

2. Feed Them With A Balanced Liquid Fertilizer

If you want to grow basil and mint that’s bursting with flavor, give them a little food.

Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Don’t overdo it, because too much fertilizer can actually reduce the essential oils that make them smell and taste so good.

Compost tea is also a fantastic organic option.

 

3. Watch Out For Common Pests

Aphids and spider mites can be a pain, especially on basil.

If you notice tiny bugs, blast them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.

Mint rarely has pest issues, but it can get rust, which shows up as orange spots on the leaves.

If that happens, cut the affected foliage and try to improve air circulation.

 

Harvesting Basil And Mint For The Best Flavor

This is the fun part, and it’s also a crucial step if you want your herbs to keep producing.

The more you harvest, the more your plants will grow.

Here’s exactly when and how to pick your leaves.

 

1. Harvest Basil Before It Flowers

The best time to pick basil is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.

Always cut the stems with scissors just above a pair of leaves.

Never pull the leaves off, as this can damage the stem.

If you see flower buds, pinch them off immediately, as they’ll make the leaves turn bitter.

 

2. Harvest Mint Leaves As Soon As The Plant Is Established

You can start picking mint leaves as soon as the plant has a few healthy stems.

Pick the youngest leaves at the top for the most tender texture and strongest flavor.

To encourage new growth, cut entire stems back to about an inch above the soil line.

This allows you to grow basil and mint continuously throughout the season.

 

So, Can You Grow Basil And Mint Successfully?

You can absolutely grow basil and mint successfully with the right approach.

Basil needs sun and warmth, while mint needs moisture and a contained space.

When you grow basil and mint together, just remember they have different watering and light schedules.

By giving each plant what it wants, you’ll have a steady supply of aromatic herbs all summer long.

Now that you know how to grow basil and mint, it’s time to grab some seeds and get dirty.