Mints
long piece of clay pipe sunk into the ground. Even when using a confinement or barrier, you still must keep checking for runners. If there is a small opening for the mint to escape, it will.
Pests & Diseases
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can usually be handpicked. They are repelled by wormwood spray or insect spray.
Rust
Rust appears as bright orange markings on the foliage of herbs such as mint and chives. Destroy all affected foliage. Do not place diseased plants or foliage in the compost bin. If a mild commercial copper spray does not curb the disease, destroy the plants.
Other problems that can occur are verticillium wilt, mint anthracnose, spider mites, loopers, flea beetles, root borers, grasshoppers, cutworms, root weevils, and aphids.
Harvesting and Storing
When mint is coming into flower and has its highest oil content, that is the best time to harvest this and many other herbs. Just before you harvest mint, spray it with water to wash off any dust or debris. Then shake the branches to remove the excess water. Clip the branches down to about three inches.
Peppermint and spearmint are best fresh; cut as needed. They can be frozen in ice cube trays with a little water.
Catnip: Harvest young leaves and flowering tops when fully open, before they turn brown. Both blooms and foliage shrink at least 50 percent. The leaves shrivel and darken, while the flowers lose coloration. The fresh, woodsy fragrance remains after drying.
Lemon Balm: Harvest before the plant flowers. Dry quickly or the leaves will turn black. Store in an airtight container
Drying
Mint is best dried by laying the stems flat on a screen tray. If you have no screen tray, use a flat surface covered with paper towels or cheesecloth. Try to keep the mint in a single layer. If you cannot do this, rotate the stems daily to prevent the lower layers from rotting. This rotation also encourages the drying process. Or you can try the paper bag method. Get a large, clean paper bag and place the mint stems in the bag very loosely. Check the bag daily, and move the stems around to encourage a little air circulation. When the leaves are dry and crisp, remove them from the stems. Make sure the leaves are completely dry, or they will not keep when put in containers. It is best to use glass jars with tight-fitting lids.
Culinary and Other Uses
Mint Ideas:
*Mix chopped mint
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