5 Best Mint Companion Plants for Container Gardens
Mint Companion Plants
Mint is a fantastic, fast-growing herb to grow both indoors and outdoors. It makes a smart companion to many different vegetables and other herbs. Mint is easy to grow, adds a refreshing scent and is easy to maintain, making it a favorite addition to container gardens.
Mint is also a favorite herb to grow because it’s one of the best natural pest repellents, making it a strategic choice to use for companion planting.
However, when mint is young, it is vulnerable most especially to whitefly, and snails and garden slugs also seem to be attracted to young mint. For this reason, growing mint from seed is easiest in small containers. Then transplant to a larger container or plant in-ground.
When mint grows and becomes more established, it will begin to spread and ward off most garden pests and helping neighboring plants to do the same. It’s a perennial, and if it’s healthy it will continue to grow and spread. For this reason, many gardeners prefer growing mint in containers so it’s much easier to control.
Mint is one of my very favorite herbs to use in my container gardens. Small or large, indoors and on a back patio or sunny balcony, mint makes a smart companion plant. There are lots of varieties of mint, and fresh leaves are always great to have on hand for cooking and adding to favorite cocktails!
Here are the five best mint companion plants and why they are the best choices:
Tomatoes and mint:
Mint and tomatoes make a great pair because mint helps to deter pests that can damage tomato plants. In addition, tomatoes provide filtered sun for the much shorter mint which helps protect it from extreme direct sun in summer. Once mint is established, it will grow and spread quickly, so it’s important to cut it back regularly so it’s not forced to compete for space and nutrients with the tomato plants.
Tip: For a tomato and mint container garden, make sure to choose a smaller dwarf variety of tomato! Try combining a Red Robin or Tiny Tim dwarf tomato plant with mint for a beautiful container garden that can be grown on your kitchen countertop!
Use a halo grow light stuck right into the pot and set the automatic timer to 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Use a self-watering planter and this pairing will forgive you for forgetting to water it!
Kale and mint:
Kale is another plant that benefits from the pest-repelling qualities of mint. Planting mint near kale can help to keep pests at bay. Kale and mint both need the same moderate amount of water, and generally don’t compete for nutrients making this pairing a good one.
Basil and mint:
Basil and mint complement each other well as companion plants, in scents and as flavors in the kitchen. So why not grow them together in a beautiful container garden, and simply pick the fresh leaves whenever you’re cooking a fantastic meal. These two plants need relatively the same amount of sun, water and soil quality making this a smart pairing.
Rosemary and mint:
Many recipes call for both rosemary and mint, making this pairing a great choice for a container garden. Both of these herbs can be successfully grown on your kitchen countertop using a halo grow light, or on a windowsill with lots of direct sun. The scent of this pairing is fantastic, too!
Peppers and mint:
Peppers and mint are a great combination for an outside garden because mint helps to repel whitefly, which is one of the most common pepper pests. To grow indoors, plant a small pepper variety like a habanero or poblano with your mint plant, and use a halo grow light or similar set up. This paring needs a full 6-8 hours of sun (or grow light) per day.
For containers, it’s important to choose a larger size so the mint and other plants have space to grow. And once your mint plant is big and healthy, you’ll probably want to grow some mint as a companion to your other vegetables outside!
Grow more mint from cuttings! Place a few cuttings in a glass with a shallow amount of water. Within a few days the cuttings will begin to grow roots. Transplant to a small container with a good quality soil, place outside and gradually let it become accustomed to the sun (hardening). Once it’s a healthy size, plant in-ground or in a raised bed. Mint can also be used as edible landscaping, as it spreads fast and looks beautiful.
Other vegetables that can make great mint companion plants:
- beans
- brassicas family (kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)
- eggplant
- garlic
- lettuce and salad greens
- onion
- potato
Tip: I’ve never tried to grow mint with strawberries, but there are gardeners who recommend NOT TO GROW MINT AND STRAWBERRY together.
Growing mint in a container:
1. Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. A pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep is a good size for a mature mint plant.
2. Start with a good quality, well-draining soil.
3. Mint likes to daily water: a good soil will help keep moisture while allowing it to drain from excess (prolonged soggy soil as well as completely dry soil will kill your mint).
4. Mint prefers lots of sunlight, but it can tolerate filtered sun from taller companion plants. It can also tolerate some shade, though it won’t grow as fast or big or green!
5. Once the mint plant is mature, healthy and established, prune it regularly. Pinch off any leaves that don’t look healthy, and cut back any flowers if you aren’t trying to harvest your plant for seed.
Overall, mint is a great plant to grow in a small container garden, and choosing the right companion plants can help to ensure its success. By pairing mint with plants like tomatoes, cabbage, basil, carrots, and beets, you can create a thriving and harmonious container garden.
