Mint

Quercusrobur81

Hi there, I grew some mint from seed in a pot last summer and it’s starting to come back. The pot is large (30cm) but there are roots poking out of the hole in the bottom. Do I need to do anything to keep it happy? Worried it might be overcrowded-do I need to lift and separate some of the plants? 
Thanks!

Joyce Goldenlily

Mint likes damp conditions so growing it in a pot means you must keep it in a shady corner. You could divide your pot into 4 clumps, pot them up in fresh compost and try them in different places in your garden.

Blue Onion

Do NOT place them directly into your garden, they spread and take over like a weed.  If you want to plant then out, place them inside a large plastic pot with the bottom cut out (I use the ones my trees came in) and plant them side the container in the bed.  I dig the hole, put the bottomless pot in, then refill with the hole soil and then plant rootball of the mint.  
Your current plant is fine as it is.. just keep it watered when it feels dry down an inch into the soil.  My mint does great here in Utah.. and it's far from damp.  They are pretty tough.  Don't worry about over crowding, your plant looks fine.  They are easy to root from cuttings, or you could divide your existing plant if you want more. 

Quercusrobur81

Ah great-thanks very much both. There is a shadier spot on the patio I could easily move it to. I do love mint but had heard it can really take over so will keep it contained! no space in the beds for it anyway. Thanks so much!

nutcutlet

I agree with Joyce, divide, when the pot gets too full of roots it's hard to keep up the water supply

Quercusrobur81

Thanks nutcutlet, I think when they are poking out of the bottom it might be time for some more space...