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Spearmint is taking over my organic vegetable garden! Any ideas for removing it?

by Tricia

I weed out one area and then it grows in another area. I know it spreads by underground roots but how am I to stop this invasive herb from taking over my garden?

Yes…it does that. The only way to control mint is to plant it in a large pot buried in the dirt, but with the rim just above the surface. This stops it sending out runners.

The only way to get rid of it is careful hand weeding. Wet the soil thoroughly and leave it for several hours to soak in, then start teasing out the plants. Make sure you get it ALL. You may have to do this several times, as it is easy to miss bits, or for pieces to break off. Keep a few pieces for your new confined pot, and put the rest in the trash. Do not try to compost it, as you may not kill it all in the compost heap.







Filed Under: growing organic vegetables

Comments

  1. colmenar says

    October 15, 2008 at 7:13 am

    The only way is persistent weeding out, I always grow mint in a bucket now. I love it but not as much as it loves my garden and yours by the sound of it.
    References :

  2. jimbo says

    October 15, 2008 at 7:32 am

    What I have done in the past to contain plants, such as mint, from taking over my whole garden, is to sink buckets in the garden and grow the invaders in the the buckets. In that way you still get the appearance of the plants with the other plants for garden harmony but they stay where you put them.
    References :

  3. rebornpheonix says

    October 15, 2008 at 7:38 am

    Dig up all the mint and plant a small plant in a large pot.
    References :

  4. Denise M says

    October 15, 2008 at 8:09 am

    I agree with jimbo, to grow it in a container which you have sunk n the ground, but not flush the soil or it will grow over the pot edge.
    When weeding try to remove all pieces of root, because if you don't each piece will grow up again. Good Luck
    References :
    Experence

  5. John M says

    October 15, 2008 at 8:18 am

    put newspaper over the top and it does off
    References :

  6. reynwater says

    October 15, 2008 at 8:46 am

    Agree with Jim. I once dug down 4' and didn't get all of the mint roots. Dig up some you want to save, pot it, then roundup the remaining mint. Don't know of any other way to get rid of it. Mint will root on the ground anywhere it touches. Be observant.

    good luck
    References :

  7. pcbeachrat says

    October 15, 2008 at 8:56 am

    Hmmm reynwater doesnt have a clue lol..sorry..but does the word ORGANIC mean anything to you? Roundup will not only contaminate your organic soil..but kill the soil as well..it will no longer be usefull…It is hard to kill mint once started..one tiny little bit missed..and it will root underground again on you so quick..you won't know what happened
    References :

  8. Snow says

    October 15, 2008 at 9:38 am

    Growing it in a container that will keep the roots from traveling is the only way I have stopped it….
    References :

  9. Sandy G says

    October 15, 2008 at 9:57 am

    Yes…it does that. The only way to control mint is to plant it in a large pot buried in the dirt, but with the rim just above the surface. This stops it sending out runners.

    The only way to get rid of it is careful hand weeding. Wet the soil thoroughly and leave it for several hours to soak in, then start teasing out the plants. Make sure you get it ALL. You may have to do this several times, as it is easy to miss bits, or for pieces to break off. Keep a few pieces for your new confined pot, and put the rest in the trash. Do not try to compost it, as you may not kill it all in the compost heap.
    References :

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Organic Gardening

Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner the Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening contains tips and techniques that will help you create a healthy, eco-friendly garden.    Learn how to grow amazingly beautiful flowers, wholesome organic fruits and vegetables, and top-quality herbs.  Discover how to garden without chemicals, and how to maintain an organic garden year-round.

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