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Planting basil and mint is one of the easiest and most rewarding gardening projects you can start.
These two herbs are perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, and learning how to plant basil and mint will give you a fresh supply of fragrant leaves for cooking, teas, and garnishes all season long.
Whether you plan to plant basil and mint in pots on a sunny windowsill or prepare to plant basil and mint directly in your garden bed, the process is straightforward and forgiving.
In this post, we will walk you through the best times to plant basil and mint, the ideal soil conditions, and the step-by-step methods to ensure your herbs thrive.
So grab your gardening gloves, and let’s dig into the simple secrets of how to plant basil and mint successfully.
When To Plant Basil And Mint For Best Results
Knowing when to plant basil and mint is the first big step toward a lush harvest.
Both of these herbs are warm-season favorites, but they have slightly different tolerances that you should keep in mind.
The key to success is timing your planting so the soil is warm enough and the danger of frost has passed.
Here’s a closer look at the best windows for planting basil and mint in most climates.
1. Wait For Warm Soil Before You Plant Basil And Mint
Basil is extremely frost-sensitive, so you should never plant basil and mint outdoors until nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
Mint is a bit hardier and can handle a light frost, but it still prefers warm soil for vigorous growth.
The ideal soil temperature for planting basil and mint is around 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
You can check this with a simple soil thermometer, or just wait until the weather has been consistently warm for about two weeks.
If you plant basil and mint too early, the cold can stunt their growth or even kill your basil plants.
2. Start Seeds Indoors To Get A Head Start
If you want to plant basil and mint from seed, starting them indoors is a smart move.
Begin this process about six to eight weeks before your last expected frost date.
Sow the tiny basil seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate.
Mint seeds are even smaller, so just press them gently into the soil without covering them deeply.
Keep the trays in a warm spot with plenty of bright light, and you’ll see sprouts within one to two weeks.
This early start means you can plant basil and mint seedlings outdoors as soon as the weather is ready.
3. Mid-Spring To Early Summer Is The Sweet Spot
For most gardeners, the perfect time to plant basil and mint directly outdoors is in mid-spring after the last frost date.
This is usually between April and June, depending on your growing zone.
If you live in a warmer southern climate, you can plant basil and mint as early as March.
In cooler northern regions, you’ll likely wait until late May or even early June.
The goal is to give your herbs the longest possible growing season while avoiding any cold snaps that can harm them.
4. You Can Also Plant Basil And Mint In Late Summer
Here’s a great trick: you can plant basil and mint again in late summer for a fall harvest.
About eight weeks before your first fall frost, sow new seeds or transplant new seedlings.
The warm late-summer soil helps them establish quickly.
Mint will keep producing until the ground freezes, and basil will give you one more flush of leaves before the cold arrives.
This second planting is a fantastic way to extend your fresh herb supply.
How To Plant Basil And Mint In Containers
Container gardening is arguably the easiest way to plant basil and mint, and it solves a big problem.
Mint is famously invasive if planted in the ground, as it spreads aggressively and takes over garden beds.
By using pots, you keep all that vigorous growth contained and manageable.
Here’s how to plant basil and mint in containers for a thriving patio or windowsill garden.
1. Choose The Right Pot Size For Each Herb
When you plant basil and mint together, you need to give each herb its own pot.
Basil has a taproot and doesn’t like to be crowded, so choose a pot that is at least 8 inches wide and 8 inches deep.
Mint grows by sending out runners, so it appreciates even more room to roam.
Use a pot that is at least 10 to 12 inches wide, or better yet, give mint its own large container.
Both herbs need excellent drainage, so ensure your pots have holes at the bottom to prevent soggy roots.
2. Use A High-Quality Potting Mix
To plant basil and mint properly, the soil you use matters more than you might think.
Grab a light, well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
A standard vegetable potting soil works wonderfully for both herbs.
Avoid heavy garden soil, as it can become compacted in pots and suffocate the roots.
You can also mix in a bit of compost to give your young plants a nutrient boost right from the start.
3. Planting Depth And Spacing Made Simple
When you plant basil and mint seedlings, dig a small hole just deep enough to cover the root ball.
Place the seedling in the hole, gently firm the soil around it, and water thoroughly.
If you’re planting seeds directly in the container, sow basil seeds on the surface and cover with a thin 1/4 inch layer of soil.
For mint seeds, press them onto the soil surface and don’t cover them at all.
Once your seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, thin them out so basil plants are spaced 6 inches apart and mint plants are spaced at least 10 inches apart.
4. Watering And Sunlight For Container Herbs
After you plant basil and mint in pots, place the containers in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Basil loves the heat and will thrive in that bright sunshine.
Mint prefers a little protection from the harsh afternoon sun, so morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Water your herbs whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Do not overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot, especially for basil.
How To Plant Basil And Mint In The Ground
If you’d rather plant basil and mint directly in your garden, you absolutely can.
The key is choosing the right location and preparing the soil properly.
With a bit of planning, your herbs will flourish and provide a bountiful supply all summer.
Here’s the straightforward guide to planting basil and mint in the ground.
1. Find The Perfect Sunny Location
Basil needs full sun to develop its flavorful oils, so pick a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Mint is more flexible and can tolerate partial shade, making it a great choice for a slightly cooler corner of your garden.
When you plant basil and mint together, try to place mint where it will get afternoon shade, perhaps behind the taller basil plants.
This arrangement gives both herbs what they need to grow strong and healthy.
2. Amend The Soil Before You Plant Basil And Mint
Before you plant basil and mint in the ground, take a moment to improve your garden soil.
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches using a spade or garden fork.
Mix in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Basil prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mint is not picky about pH, but it does love rich, moist soil, so the added compost is a real treat.
3. Space Them Out To Prevent Diseases
Proper spacing is crucial when you plant basil and mint in the garden.
Basil plants should be spaced about 12 to 15 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Mint, on the other hand, will spread out quickly, so give it plenty of room.
Space mint plants about 18 to 24 inches apart, and then add extra root barriers to control its spread.
You can sink a bottomless bucket into the ground around your mint to keep its roots contained.
4. Water Properly And Add Mulch
After you plant basil and mint, water them deeply to help the roots establish.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as mint loves moisture and basil appreciates it too.
Add a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around your plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
The mulch also keeps the soil temperature stable, which your herbs will love.
Water your basil and mint in the morning to give leaves time to dry, which reduces the risk of powdery mildew.
Caring For Basil And Mint After Planting
Once you plant basil and mint, your job isn’t done, but the care routine is simple.
These herbs are incredibly forgiving and just need a little attention to keep producing.
Here are the essential tips for keeping your basil and mint healthy and lush.
1. Pinch And Prune For Bushier Growth
When you plant basil and mint, frequent harvesting is the secret to a full plant.
Regularly pinch off the top sets of leaves on basil to encourage branching.
This prevents the basil from flowering, which turns the leaves bitter.
For mint, cut back the stems by a third regularly to keep the plant bushy and prevent it from getting leggy.
The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce.
2. Feed Your Herbs Lightly
Basil and mint are not heavy feeders, but they do benefit from a little fertilizer.
About four weeks after you plant basil and mint, give them a diluted dose of liquid fertilizer.
You can use a balanced seaweed or fish emulsion every four to six weeks.
Do not over-fertilize, as this can reduce the essential oil content that gives these herbs their wonderful aroma and flavor.
3. Watch Out For Common Pests
When you plant basil and mint, keep an eye out for common garden pests.
Aphids can be a problem, but you can blast them off with a strong spray of water or introduce ladybugs.
Spider mites may appear in dry conditions, so keep the humidity up by misting your plants.
Mint can also attract whiteflies, but a neem oil spray handles them effectively.
Regularly inspect your herbs so you can catch any issues early.
So, How Do You Plant Basil And Mint?
Planting basil and mint is a simple, rewarding process when you know the basics.
You plant basil and mint by waiting for warm weather, choosing well-draining soil, and giving them the right balance of sun and water.
Basil is a sun-loving annual that thrives in containers or garden beds with good airflow.
Mint is a vigorous perennial that prefers moist soil and will reward you with abundant leaves all season.
Now that you understand how to plant basil and mint, you can enjoy fresh herbs straight from your own garden or kitchen counter.
Happy planting, and may your basil be fragrant and your mint be endless.