10 ways to use fresh mint in your garden and home

 

Have you ever planted mint and watched it take over your garden? It’s a common problem. That little plant can grow like crazy! it loves to spread out and take over, but that’s a good thing! It just means you’ll have plenty of fresh, fragrant leaves to use. Instead of fighting it, I've learned to embrace its energy. 

Over the years, I’ve discovered so many fantastic ways to put my abundant mint harvest to good use, both inside and outside my home. And today, I want to share my top ten favorite ways to make the most of fresh mint, you might be surprised at its versatility!

Here are ten practical and delightful ways you can use fresh mint, inspired by my own experiences:

1. MINT-INFUSED DRINKS

Living in the North, the heat can be intense for a good part of the year. There's nothing quite like a cool, mint-infused drink to beat the heat.

I love steeping a handful of fresh mint leaves in hot water for a soothing tea, especially in the evenings. Sometimes I’ll add a squeeze of local lime or a touch of honey. For a daytime cooler, I muddle fresh mint with lime and a little sugar (or honey), then top it with sparkling water for a homemade mint lemonade that’s incredibly refreshing. It’s a fantastic alternative to sugary sodas, and the aroma alone is uplifting!

2. ADDING ZEST TO YOUR MEALS

Mint isn’t just for sweet treats! It adds a wonderful fresh note to a variety of dishes.

I often chop fresh mint finely and add it to my jollof rice towards the end of cooking. It provides a subtle coolness that balances the richness of the dish beautifully. I also love mixing it into my homemade coleslaw for an unexpected burst of flavor. And a sprinkle of mint over grilled fish or chicken just before serving elevates the entire meal.

3. NATURAL PEST CONTROL: 

I've found that mint is a surprisingly effective natural pest repellent in my garden.

I plant mint around my more vulnerable plants, like tomatoes and cabbages. The strong scent seems to deter aphids, ants, and even some types of beetles. I also crush some mint leaves and place them near doorways and windows inside the house to help keep ants away. This is a natural and fragrant solution.

4. AROMATIC HOME FRESHENER:

Forget those chemical-laden air fresheners! Fresh mint can naturally make your home smell fresh.

I often place small bowls of fresh mint leaves around the house. The natural oils release a lovely, clean scent. You can also gently crush a few leaves in your hands and let the aroma fill the air. For a more intense burst, simmer a pot of water with a few sprigs of mint on the stove, it makes the whole house smell wonderful.

5. SOOTHING FOOT SOAK:

After having a long day, a minty foot soak is my little slice of heaven.

I add a handful of crushed mint leaves and a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a basin of warm water. Soaking my feet in this not only feels incredibly refreshing and cooling but the mint also has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe tired muscles.

6. DIY BEAUTY TREATMENTS: 

Mint is packed with beneficial compounds that can do wonders for your skin.

I sometimes mix crushed fresh mint leaves with a little sugar and coconut oil for a gentle and invigorating body scrub. The mint helps to refresh and tone the skin, while the sugar exfoliates and the coconut oil moisturizes. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and smelling fantastic.

7. CREATIVE CRAFTS:

Mint’s lovely leaves and invigorating scent make it perfect for various DIY projects.

I love adding sprigs of fresh mint to flower bouquets for an extra touch of fragrance and greenery. You can also dry mint leaves and use them in homemade potpourri or even create small, fragrant sachets to place in drawers and closets.

8. NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT:

Living in Nigeria, dealing with mosquitoes is a constant. While mint isn’t a complete solution, I’ve found it helpful as a natural deterrent. I often rub crushed mint leaves on my exposed skin, especially in the evenings when mosquitoes are more active. While it’s not as potent as commercial repellents, the strong scent does seem to keep some of those pesky biters away, and it’s a much more natural alternative. Planting mint around outdoor seating areas can also help.

9. COMPOSTING:

Even the stems and slightly wilted leaves of mint can be beneficial in your garden.

I always toss my leftover mint into my compost bin. It breaks down relatively quickly and adds valuable nutrients to my compost, enriching the soil for my other plants. Plus, the minty scent can even help to keep unpleasant odors at bay in the compost.

10. FLAVORFUL ICE CUBES: 

This is such a simple yet effective way to add a burst of fresh mint flavor to your drinks. 

I simply place small mint leaves or even finely chopped mint into ice cube trays, fill with water, and freeze. These minty ice cubes are fantastic in water, iced tea, or even cocktails. They add a subtle but noticeable refreshing touch as they melt.

So, If your mint plant starts to take over your garden, don’t see it as a problem. See it as an opportunity! Embrace its versatility and explore the many wonderful ways you can incorporate fresh mint into your garden and home. From refreshing drinks to natural pest control, this fragrant herb is a true gift. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go brew myself a cup of that lovely mint tea and enjoy the fragrant air here in my home.