Herbs & Edibles
Mint
Mentha spicata
Grows like it has somewhere to be - give it its own pot and it will never stop producing.
- Typical watering
- Every ~4 days
- Light
- bright light with 4+ hours of sun
- Difficulty
- easy
- Safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
Care tips
- Keep soil consistently moist; check every 3-4 days
- Always pot alone - its runners strangle neighbors
- Harvest the top third often; cutting hard makes it denser
- Refresh leggy plants by cutting back to 5 cm in spring
Common questions
How often should I water a mint? +
A healthy indoor mint typically wants water every 4 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does a mint need? +
A mint does best in bright light with 4+ hours of sun light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is a mint toxic to cats or dogs? +
Yes — the mint is considered toxic to cats and dogs (per the ASPCA plant lists). Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if you suspect a pet has chewed it.
Typical guidance for a healthy mint — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
- Basil Fragrant kitchen herb; pinch often, water often.
- Chives A cut-and-come-again onion tuft that regrows within days of every trim.
- Cilantro Sprint-grows from seed, then bolts the moment it gets warm - sow a fresh pot every few weeks.
- Oregano Tastes strongest when treated worst - lean soil, hard sun, and a light hand with water.
- Parsley A steady producer for months if you cut outer stems first and keep the water coming.
- Rosemary A Mediterranean shrub that treats the average kitchen windowsill as a survival challenge.