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Planting mint and basil is a rewarding and straightforward process that can give you fresh herbs all season long.
If you’ve been wondering how to plant mint and basil successfully, you’re in the right place because both are incredibly forgiving for beginners and pros alike.
You can plant mint and basil in garden beds, raised planters, or simple pots on a sunny windowsill.
The real trick is understanding that these two herbs have slightly different personalities, and when you plant mint and basil together, you need to respect their individual needs.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best methods for planting mint and basil, the ideal soil and light conditions, and simple tips to keep them thriving.
Let’s dig in and get your hands dirty.
Why You Should Plant Mint And Basil Together
When you plant mint and basil together, you’re pairing two culinary powerhouses that love similar warm weather.
Both herbs thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F, which makes them perfect companions for a summer herb garden.
Planting mint and basil together also makes harvesting convenient because you can grab both for salads, pasta, or refreshing teas in one quick trip outside.
However, you’ll need to manage their growth habits carefully since mint is a notorious spreader while basil grows as a neat, upright bush.
1. Mint Grows Fast and Furious
Mint is an aggressive grower that will happily take over any space you give it if you let it run wild.
When you plant mint, always consider containing it in a pot or a buried bottomless bucket to prevent it from choking out your basil.
Planting mint in its own container with drainage holes is the safest way to enjoy fresh leaves without the garden invasion.
If you do plant mint in the ground, you’ll need to prune it regularly and keep an eye on its wandering roots.
2. Basil Is a Tender Annual
Basil is a tender annual that thrives in rich, well-drained soil and loves full sun for at least six to eight hours a day.
When you plant basil, choose a spot that stays warm and sheltered from strong winds to keep those lush green leaves happy.
Basil doesn’t spread like mint, so you can plant basil in neat rows or mix it into a decorative pot with other herbs.
Just remember that basil will die back at the first frost, so plan your planting season around your local climate.
How To Plant Mint And Basil In Containers
Container gardening is the easiest way to plant mint and basil because it gives you total control over soil, water, and spacing.
You can plant mint and basil in separate pots and place them side by side for a beautiful and functional windowsill display.
Here’s how to get started with planting mint and basil in containers.
1. Choose the Right Pot Size
For mint, you’ll want a pot that’s at least 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep to give those vigorous roots room to roam.
For basil, a pot that’s 8 to 10 inches deep is plenty since basil’s root system stays relatively compact.
Before you plant mint and basil, make sure each pot has at least one drainage hole to prevent waterlogged soil.
Proper drainage is critical because both herbs hate sitting in soggy conditions that lead to root rot.
2. Use Quality Potting Mix
A light, fluffy potting mix enriched with compost is the perfect foundation for planting mint and basil.
Avoid heavy garden soil because it compacts easily in containers and suffocates the roots.
When you plant mint and basil, fill the pot about two-thirds full with your mix, then gently settle the seedlings.
After planting, water thoroughly so the soil is evenly moist but not soaked.
3. Start From Seeds or Seedlings
You can plant mint and basil from seeds or buy young seedlings from a nursery for a faster harvest.
Seeds are cost-effective, but they take a little longer to germinate and require steady warmth to sprout.
If you start from seeds, plant them a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist.
Basil seeds germinate in about 5 to 10 days, while mint seeds can take a bit longer, up to two weeks.
Best Practices For Planting Mint And Basil In The Ground
If you prefer to plant mint and basil directly in your garden, you can do that too with a little planning.
The key is to give each herb the space it needs and to keep mint contained so it doesn’t dominate.
Here are the best practices for planting mint and basil outdoors.
1. Space Them Properly
Space basil plants about 12 to 18 inches apart so air circulates well and leaves dry quickly after rain.
For mint, give it even more room or isolate it with a physical barrier like a deep edging sunk into the soil.
When you plant mint and basil together in a shared bed, always put mint on one side and basil on the other.
This simple separation prevents mint’s runners from tangling with basil’s delicate roots.
2. Watering and Feeding
Both mint and basil love consistent moisture, so water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
During hot summer weeks, that might mean watering every day, especially if they’re in pots.
Feeding is also important, and a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks keeps leaves lush and flavorful.
When you plant mint and basil, avoid overhead watering in the evening to keep fungal diseases at bay.
3. Pinch and Prune Regularly
Regular harvesting is the secret to bushy basil and vigorous mint growth.
When you pinch off the top leaves just above a pair of lower leaves, the plant responds by sending out new branches.
For mint, cut stems back by about a third every few weeks to encourage fresh growth and prevent legginess.
If you plant mint and basil, never let them flower unless you want seeds, because flowering reduces leaf flavor.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Mint And Basil
Even seasoned gardeners make a few slips when they plant mint and basil, but knowing the pitfalls helps you avoid them.
Here are the most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
1. Overwatering Both Herbs
Although mint loves moisture, too much water can still cause its roots to rot if the soil stays soggy.
Basil is even more sensitive and will wilt or develop black spots if you water it excessively.
The best approach is to check the soil with your finger before you water.
If it feels dry an inch down, then you can confidently water your mint and basil again.
2. Letting Mint Run Free
One of the biggest mistakes is planting mint directly in the garden without any barrier.
Mint’s roots can travel several feet underground and pop up all over your flower beds or lawn.
Always use a container or a buried edging to keep mint contained.
When you plant mint and basil together, it’s much easier to manage them in separate pots.
3. Starting Too Early Outdoors
Basil is extremely cold-sensitive, and planting it too early in spring can stunt its growth or kill it.
Mint is a bit hardier, but it still prefers warm soil temperatures.
Wait until nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F before you plant mint and basil outdoors.
If you want an early start, begin seeds indoors about six weeks before your last frost date.
So, How Do You Plant Mint And Basil?
You plant mint and basil by choosing the right containers, using quality soil, and providing plenty of sunshine.
Planting mint and basil can be done in pots together as long as you give mint its own space or keep it trimmed.
You plant mint and basil successfully by watering consistently, feeding lightly, and harvesting often.
And you plant mint and basil with confidence knowing that both herbs are forgiving and will reward your efforts.
So go ahead, get some seeds or seedlings, and enjoy the fresh aroma of homegrown basil and mint in your kitchen.
Happy planting, and may your garden be full of vibrant green leaves all season long.