Mint grows so eagerly that most gardeners learn quickly to contain it — planted directly in a bed, its spreading roots can take over an entire border within a season or two.
A hardy perennial herb with dozens of varieties — peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint — mint is prized for its cooling flavor in teas, cocktails, and desserts, and it thrives with almost no effort once planted.
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, tolerating partial shade and average soil, but its aggressive spreading rhizomes make it a poor choice for open garden beds. Growing it in a pot — even one sunk into the ground — keeps its enthusiasm in check.
Mint tea has long been used to ease digestion and settle an upset stomach, and fresh leaves are a common addition to summer drinks, salads, and desserts.
