I made the horrible mistake of planting mint in my herb garden a couple of years ago. Now I can't control its growth and only want it to be gone! I know they have incredible root systems and I've been pulling up what I can as often as I can but it still keeps popping up everywhere. Any ideas? I'm not against chemicals at this point if they'll get rid of the stuff without damaging my other herbs. Thanks all!
2006-07-07 02:59:18 · 7 answers · asked by lolachikadee 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Check out link below.
Unless you want mint everywhere, grub out all those pesky runners that find their way into the soil as soon as possible. Once those runner's roots really take hold and the other plants grow around them, that space will be mint for life.
http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/mintcareandtips.htm
2006-07-07 20:47:38 · answer #1 · answered by planobell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to wait for next spring. Don't plant anything, just look for the mint growth and hit it with a broad leaf herbicide (following manufacturers directions), wait a week or so and hit it again. If you have perennial herbs or plants around the mint, use a paint brush and coat the mint plants with herbicide, it's tedious as heck but it works. Most gardeners plant that stuff in pots away from anything or in the far corner of their lots.
2006-07-07 03:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by not climbing 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all chemicals will kill herbs indiscrimately...i don't think there is a 'mint killer' out there. if the plants are far enough away from other root systems that you want to keep, you can try pouring salt water on them...this will kill the plant, but should dilute enough that by the time it gets to other root systems, it won't be strong enough to do lasting harm.
but there are things you can do with lots of mint, like press it and get mint oil. or, when i visited morocco in college they make this incredible mint tea. take a little covered pot, and stuff it full of mint leaves that you've bruised in your hand just enough to break the leaves a bit, then add lots of sugar and pour in boiling water...steep for at least 5 minutes, and then drink the BEST mint tea you've ever had.
you could also dry it and make sachets for drawers and closets.
you could also soak it in alcohol and get a mint flavored alcohol. i would stuff a jar as full as i could of mint leaves and then pour my favorite clear alcohol over it, and let sit for months. this would make good additions to coffee for your evenings - i wouldn't suggest putting it in morning coffee if you're on your way to work.
you could also make mint syrup...good for icecream or to mix into brownie mixes. use your imagination and good luck.
2006-07-07 03:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by ladylawyer26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MInt does do that. It will try to take over. The only thing to do is keep pulling it out. I'm afraid that if you use a chemical, it will kill everything in your garden. Sorry.
2006-07-07 03:05:43 · answer #4 · answered by mightymite1957 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mint is a plant that overtakes everything. Your best bet is to use containers for it. Get a big pot and transplant the mint to that. That way it is contained and easily accessable and pretty to look at! I learned that the hard way too. :)
2006-07-07 05:55:24 · answer #5 · answered by donotknow 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try pouring boiling water on it....that should kill it.
2006-07-07 06:32:30 · answer #6 · answered by raven s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry, it sounds like plucking is your only answer.
2006-07-07 03:08:56 · answer #7 · answered by hummingbird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋