Mint is a resilient and rewarding herb to grow, especially in containers, where its vigorous roots can be kept in check. As the seasons change and the weather cools, your container mint garden will need a little extra care to stay healthy and thriving. With the right steps, you can ensure your mint continues to provide fresh, fragrant leaves throughout the colder months.

Cold Weather Care for Your Container Mint

1. Bring Your Mint Indoors

One of the biggest advantages of growing mint in a container is the ability to relocate it. Before the first frost, move your container mint garden indoors. Place it near a sunny window where it can receive 4–6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to mimic the sun’s rays.

2. Adjust Watering Habits

Mint needs less water in the colder months. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, especially indoors where drainage might slow. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and ensure your container has proper drainage to prevent soggy roots. 

Grow Pro Perk: Grow Bags are ideal for mint gardens. They can be moved around easily and will drain excess water which will prevent you from over watering your mint. 

3. Prune Back Before Moving Indoors

Before bringing your mint inside, gently prune it. Trim back any leggy stems or damaged leaves to encourage healthy, compact growth. This not only refreshes the plant but also reduces the chance of pests hitching a ride indoors.

4. Maintain Proper Humidity

Indoor air tends to be drier, especially in the winter. Mint prefers a slightly humid environment, so mist the plant occasionally or place a small tray of water near it to increase humidity. This will help prevent the leaves from drying out.

5. Keep an Eye on Pests

When moving your container mint indoors, inspect it thoroughly for pests such as aphids or spider mites. If you spot any, rinse the leaves gently with water or apply an organic pest control spray before bringing the plant inside.

6. Protect Outdoor Containers

If you prefer to keep your mint outdoors, even in its container, you’ll need to insulate it. Wrap the container with burlap or bubble wrap to protect the roots from freezing. Alternatively, move the container to a sheltered location, such as a covered patio or garage, where it’s shielded from harsh winds and frost.

Encouraging Winter Growth

If you’re keeping your mint garden indoors, you can continue to harvest small amounts throughout the winter. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time, and always harvest from the top to encourage new growth.

Preparing for Spring

By caring for your container mint garden during the colder months, you’ll ensure it’s ready to thrive once spring arrives. When the weather warms up, you can move your mint back outdoors, prune away any old growth, and watch it flourish.

Two of Our Favorite Ways to Use Mint During the Colder Months

As the weather cools, mint remains one of the most versatile herbs to use in your kitchen and daily routine. Its refreshing aroma and flavor bring warmth and vitality to cold-weather recipes and remedies. Whether you’re harvesting fresh mint from your container garden or using dried leaves, here are two of our favorite ways to make the most of mint during the colder months.

1. Cozy Up with Fresh Mint Tea

There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of mint tea on a chilly day. Mint tea is not only comforting but also packed with health benefits, including soothing digestion, relieving congestion, and promoting relaxation.

How to Make Mint Tea:

• Harvest a handful of fresh mint leaves from your garden (about 6–8 leaves).
• Rinse the leaves gently under cold water to remove any dirt.
• Tear or crush the leaves slightly to release their natural oils.
• Place the leaves in a mug and pour boiling water over them.
• Let the tea steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain if desired. Add honey or a slice of lemon for extra flavor and enjoy!

Mint tea is the perfect way to unwind after a long day or to warm up when the temperatures drop.

2. Elevate Comfort Foods with Mint

Mint isn’t just for summer drinks—it’s a wonderful addition to hearty winter dishes, adding a burst of freshness to balance rich, savory flavors. During the colder months, we love incorporating mint into soups, stews, and even roasted vegetables.

Try This: Mint-Infused Lentil Soup
Add a handful of chopped mint leaves to your favorite lentil or vegetable soup recipe. The mint adds a bright, unexpected flavor that complements earthy ingredients like lentils, carrots, and spices such as cumin or coriander.

Or: Mint and Yogurt Sauce
Combine chopped fresh mint with plain Greek yogurt, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a quick and cooling sauce. Drizzle it over roasted lamb, grilled vegetables, or warm naan bread for a simple yet delicious winter dish.

Why Mint Shines in Winter

Mint’s versatility and refreshing properties make it a standout herb in colder months, offering a touch of green brightness to dreary days. Whether you’re sipping it in tea or incorporating it into seasonal meals, mint brings a sense of vitality and comfort to the season.

GROW PRO TIPS ON HOW TO HARVEST YOUR MINT DURING THE COLDER MONTHS

How to Harvest Mint in the Winter Months

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to harvest mint in the colder months to ensure you enjoy its fresh flavor while keeping your plant thriving.

Step 1: Assess Your Mint Plant

• Indoor Mint: If your mint is growing indoors, it’s likely still producing fresh leaves. Check for vibrant, healthy leaves to harvest.
• Outdoor Mint: If your mint is outdoors, it may enter dormancy in colder climates. However, it can still be harvested sparingly before the first frost or if insulated well.

For both indoor and outdoor plants, avoid overharvesting, especially during winter when growth slows.

Step 2: Use Clean, Sharp Scissors

Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to harvest mint. This prevents damage to the plant and reduces the risk of spreading disease. Sanitizing your tools before and after use is a good practice, especially when gardening in cooler, damp conditions.

Step 3: Harvest Strategically

When harvesting mint in winter:

1. Target the Top Growth: Focus on cutting from the top of the plant. Select stems with healthy, full leaves, and trim just above a leaf node (the point where leaves grow from the stem).
2. Leave Enough for Regrowth: Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time. This ensures the plant retains enough energy to continue growing, even in the slower winter months.
3. Trim Wisely: Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and encourage fresh growth.

Step 4: Harvest Frequently

Regular, light harvesting promotes new growth, even in the winter. Picking a few leaves or small sprigs weekly helps prevent the plant from becoming too woody or overgrown.

Step 5: Store Your Mint

After harvesting, you can use mint immediately or store it for later use.

• Fresh Use: Rinse and pat dry the leaves, then store them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Chop fresh leaves and freeze them in an ice cube tray with water for convenient use in teas, soups, or stews.
• Drying: Hang sprigs upside down in a cool, dry place to air dry. Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container for use in teas or recipes.

Additional Tips for Winter Harvesting

• Indoor Mint Care: Keep your indoor mint in a sunny spot and water sparingly to prevent overwatering.
• Outdoor Mint Protection: If growing outdoors, insulate your plant with mulch or bring the container to a sheltered area.
• Pest Watch: Even in winter, check your mint for pests like spider mites, especially if it’s growing indoors.