This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Planting mint and basil is a straightforward process that rewards you with fresh, aromatic herbs all season long.
If you’ve ever wondered how to plant mint and basil successfully, the good news is that both herbs are incredibly forgiving for beginners.
Mint and basil are among the easiest herbs to grow, whether you have a sprawling garden or just a sunny windowsill.
The secret to planting mint and basil lies in understanding their basic needs: sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to plant mint and basil, from seed to harvest, so you can start enjoying homegrown flavor ASAP.
Let’s dig in and get your hands dirty.
Why Planting Mint and Basil Together Works So Well
Planting mint and basil together is a match made in culinary heaven, and they actually share very similar growing requirements.
Both mint and basil thrive in warm weather, which makes them perfect companions for the same garden bed or container.
However, when you decide to plant mint and basil, you need to be aware of one big difference: mint is a vigorous spreader that can take over your garden.
That’s why many gardeners prefer to plant mint in its own pot, even when they plant basil nearby in the ground.
But don’t let that scare you off because planting mint and basil together in a large container works beautifully.
The key is giving mint its own space within that container, or else it will crowd out your basil.
When you plant mint and basil side by side, you’ll also deter certain pests naturally, making your herb garden healthier overall.
So, let’s break down the steps to get started.
1. Choose the Right Time to Plant Mint and Basil
Timing is everything when you decide to plant mint and basil, and both herbs are extremely sensitive to cold.
Basil, in particular, will sulk or even die if temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C).
Mint is a bit hardier, but it still prefers warm soil to get established properly.
The best time to plant mint and basil outdoors is after the last frost date in your area.
For most regions, that means waiting until late spring or early summer, around mid-May to early June.
If you want to get a head start, you can plant mint and basil seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before that final frost.
Starting seeds indoors is a fantastic way to ensure you have strong, healthy plants ready to transplant.
Just make sure to harden them off gradually before moving them outside for good.
2. Prepare the Perfect Soil for Planting Mint and Basil
When you plant mint and basil, soil quality can make or break your success.
Both herbs prefer rich, loamy soil that drains well but still holds onto some moisture.
Mint loves slightly moist conditions, so adding compost or organic matter to your planting area helps retain that needed water.
Basil, on the other hand, hates soggy roots, so good drainage is absolutely non-negotiable.
A simple mix of garden soil and well-rotted compost works wonders for planting mint and basil in the ground.
If you’re growing in pots, use a high-quality potting mix designed for container gardening.
This gives you the perfect balance of aeration and water retention for both herbs.
Also, check the pH level because mint and basil both prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Test your soil if possible, and amend it with lime if it’s too acidic or sulfur if it’s too alkaline.
3. Decide Between Seeds, Seedlings, or Cuttings
You can plant mint and basil using three different methods, and each has its own perks.
Starting from seed is the most economical way to plant mint and basil, but it requires patience.
Basil seeds germinate quickly, typically within five to ten days, so you’ll see sprouts in no time.
Mint seeds, however, can be slow and erratic, so many gardeners skip them entirely.
A faster route is to buy small seedlings from a nursery and transplant them directly into your garden or pots.
This is the easiest way to plant mint and basil if you’re a beginner or short on time.
Alternatively, you can take cuttings from an existing mint or basil plant to plant mint and basil indefinitely.
Simply snip a four-inch stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water until roots form.
Once you see strong roots, you can transplant those cuttings into soil for a new generation of herbs.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Mint and Basil Outdoors
Now that you have your timing, soil, and plant material ready, it’s time to actually plant mint and basil.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be harvesting fresh herbs in just a few weeks.
First, dig a hole that’s about twice the size of the root ball of your seedling or cutting.
Space your basil plants about 12 to 18 inches apart so they have room to bush out.
For mint, give it even more space, or better yet, confine it to a container within the ground.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil and gently firm it down to remove any air pockets.
Water thoroughly right after you plant mint and basil to help settle the roots.
Then, add a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially for the first couple of weeks.
As the plants grow, pinch off the top leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from getting leggy.
This pinching trick is crucial when you plant mint and basil because it forces the plant to produce more side shoots.
Container Planting Mint and Basil
If you don’t have a garden bed, you can plant mint and basil perfectly well in containers.
Choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches in diameter, with drainage holes at the bottom.
Fill the pot with potting mix, leaving an inch of space below the rim.
Plant your mint and basil in the same pot, but consider separating them with a divider.
This prevents the mint’s aggressive roots from strangling the basil.
Place the container in a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even growth on all sides.
Container-grown mint and basil will need more frequent watering than garden plants.
Check the top inch of soil daily; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Feed your container herbs with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks for best results.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Mint and Basil
Even with the best intentions, gardeners often make a few slip-ups when they plant mint and basil.
One of the biggest mistakes is planting mint directly in the ground without a barrier.
Mint’s roots can travel several feet, and it will invade other parts of your garden like a weed.
To avoid this, always plant mint in a sunken container or a raised bed with solid sides.
Another common error is overwatering basil, which leads to root rot and yellow leaves.
While basil loves moisture, it hates sitting in water, so let the topsoil dry out slightly between waterings.
On the flip side, forgetting to water mint can cause it to wilt quickly since it enjoys consistent dampness.
Many people also plant basil too early in the season, only to watch it die in a cold snap.
Be patient and wait for warm nights consistently above 50°F before you plant mint and basil outdoors.
Finally, don’t forget to harvest regularly, as both herbs will grow back fuller when you pick them often.
So, How to Plant Mint and Basil Like a Pro?
Planting mint and basil is truly as simple as following a few golden rules.
When you plant mint and basil, you’re giving yourself the gift of delicious, fresh herbs for months.
Remember to plant mint and basil in warm conditions, with rich soil and plenty of sunlight.
Always keep mint contained so it doesn’t overtake your basil or the rest of your garden.
With consistent watering and regular harvesting, you’ll have an endless supply of aromatic leaves.
So, grab your seeds or seedlings, follow this guide, and enjoy the process of planting mint and basil.
Happy gardening, and may your pesto and mojitos always be fresh from your own backyard.