I No Longer Buy Mint: I Grow It Like This on the Balcony, and It’s Very Fragrant
There’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own herbs. Whether it’s the joy of seeing something thrive under your care, the convenience of having fresh ingredients at your fingertips, or the simple pleasure of saving a few dollars at the store, gardening—no matter how small-scale—brings its own set of rewards. For me, one of the most delightful and unexpectedly rewarding herbs to grow has been mint.
A few years ago, I used to buy bunches of mint from the supermarket every few weeks. I used it in teas, added it to my cooking, used it to garnish desserts, or even mixed it into my skincare routines. But it didn’t take long to realize that store-bought mint often came in excessive packaging, wilted quickly, and wasn’t always as fresh or aromatic as I hoped. That’s when I decided to try growing it myself—right on my small balcony. It turned out to be one of the best lifestyle changes I’ve ever made.
The Benefits of Growing Mint at Home
Growing mint at home has countless benefits. First and foremost, it’s incredibly cost-effective. A small pot of mint can provide fresh leaves for months, sometimes even years, with very little maintenance. Compare that to the price of buying mint regularly, and the savings add up quickly.
Second, there’s the quality factor. Homegrown mint is incredibly fragrant and flavorful. When you pick a leaf fresh from the plant, it releases an intense, vibrant aroma that supermarket mint simply can’t match. The essential oils are more potent, the taste is richer, and the experience is more satisfying.
Additionally, growing mint is sustainable. It eliminates the need for plastic packaging, long transportation routes, and waste from unused herbs. It’s a small but impactful step toward a greener lifestyle. Plus, gardening—no matter how small-scale—is therapeutic. Watering your plants, checking their growth, and harvesting fresh herbs creates a peaceful, mindful routine that can ease stress and boost mental well-being.
Why Mint Is Perfect for Balcony Gardening
Not all herbs are created equal when it comes to growing them at home, but mint is one of the most forgiving and beginner-friendly plants you can choose. It’s hardy, fast-growing, and doesn’t require a lot of space. It thrives in containers, which makes it ideal for balconies or window sills. In fact, because mint spreads quickly and aggressively when planted in the ground, many experienced gardeners prefer to grow it in pots to keep it contained.
Mint enjoys partial sunlight, which means it doesn’t need a full-sun balcony to flourish. A few hours of light a day, combined with well-draining soil and regular watering, is enough to keep your mint plant healthy and lush. It’s also a perennial in many climates, meaning it can grow year-round with proper care.
How I Grow Mint on My Balcony
The process of growing mint on a balcony is surprisingly simple. Here’s how I do it:
-
Choose the Right Pot: I use a medium-sized pot with good drainage holes at the bottom. Mint likes slightly moist soil but doesn’t do well if water collects at the roots, so proper drainage is essential.
-
Select Healthy Starter Plants: You can grow mint from seeds, cuttings, or small starter plants. I started with a small mint plant from a local nursery. You can also take a cutting from a friend’s mint plant and root it in water.
-
Use the Right Soil: I use a general-purpose potting mix that retains some moisture but still drains well. Mixing in a bit of compost can provide extra nutrients.
-
Find the Ideal Location: My mint sits on a balcony that gets a few hours of morning sunlight. It’s shaded in the afternoon, which protects the leaves from scorching in the summer heat.
-
Water Regularly: Mint enjoys slightly moist soil, so I water it about three to four times a week depending on the weather. During hotter months, I increase the frequency slightly.
-
Harvest Often: Regular harvesting encourages the plant to become bushier. I usually pinch off the top leaves regularly to use in tea, cooking, or just to refresh the plant.
Creative Uses for Homegrown Mint
Once your mint starts to flourish, you’ll find endless ways to use it:
-
Fresh Mint Tea: Simply steep a handful of fresh mint leaves in hot water for a soothing herbal tea. Add a touch of honey or lemon for extra flavor.
-
Culinary Uses: Mint brightens up salads, pairs beautifully with lamb or chicken, adds freshness to sauces, and enhances both sweet and savory dishes.
-
Cooling Beverages: Mojitos, mint lemonade, cucumber-mint water—the possibilities are delicious and refreshing, especially in summer.
-
Natural Remedies: Mint has been used for centuries to soothe indigestion, relieve headaches, and ease congestion. Chewing a mint leaf can even freshen breath naturally.
-
Home Fragrance: Crush a few mint leaves and place them in a small dish to freshen up a room. You can also dry mint leaves and use them in homemade potpourri.
-
Skincare: Mint has antibacterial and cooling properties. I often add mint-infused water to my skincare routine or crush leaves to mix into DIY face masks.
A Lifestyle Change That Keeps Giving
What started as a small experiment quickly grew into a meaningful change in how I live. Growing mint has led me to try cultivating other herbs too—basil, rosemary, parsley, and thyme now line my balcony. It’s become a little green sanctuary in the middle of the city, offering both beauty and utility.
The simplicity of growing mint, paired with the ongoing rewards, makes it one of the easiest ways to start your gardening journey. Even if you have no prior experience, little space, or a busy schedule, mint will likely thrive with minimal attention.
Final Thoughts
I no longer buy mint—not because I can’t afford it or it’s unavailable, but because growing it myself has turned into a small joy I look forward to every day. There’s a special kind of pride that comes from snipping a few leaves off your own plant to add to your dinner or tea. It’s a quiet, green reminder that some of the best things in life are grown with your own hands.
So if you’re on the fence about gardening or think you don’t have enough space—start with mint. Your balcony, windowsill, or kitchen corner might just surprise you. And who knows? That single pot of mint could be the start of something much bigger.
