Mint is one of the most useful herbs you can grow. It smells wonderful, tastes fresh, and looks lush in the garden. But it also spreads fast. Very fast.
As explained in the introduction on page 1 of the original article, mint is beautiful and productive, yet highly invasive. If planted directly in the ground without control, it can quickly overrun nearby plants. That is why growing mint in containers is usually the smartest choice.
This guide walks through how to transplant mint from one pot to another, how to move it from the ground into a container, and how to understand its aggressive root system.
Why Mint Needs Containment
The author shares a lesson learned with lemon balm on pages 1 and 2. Like mint, it spreads through roots and seeds and can take over a yard. Mint behaves similarly, though it spreads primarily through its underground root system.
On page 2, several mint varieties are mentioned, including peppermint, spearmint, orange, and ginger mint. All share one major trait: strong, spreading rhizomes.
Unless you need large quantities for commercial herbal use, it is best to keep mint confined to a pot or fabric grow bag.
Understanding Mint’s Root System
Pages 2 and 3 of the article explain mint’s powerful underground structure.
Mint has:
• Fine fibrous roots that grow downward for nutrients
• Thick horizontal stems called rhizomes that grow underground and create new plants
The rhizomes are the real reason mint spreads so aggressively. In the photo shown on page 3, a one-year-old peppermint plant had already filled its nursery pot with looping rhizomes. If planted in open soil, those rhizomes would have spread freely.
This is why containers are so important.
How to Transplant Mint from Pot to Pot
Mint grows best when repotted before it becomes overcrowded.
When to Repot
As described on page 4, mint often dies back in winter and looks completely dead. Do not panic.
When temperatures consistently rise above 55°F in spring, small green shoots begin emerging from the soil.
Once new growth appears, observe the pattern:
• If new growth appears evenly across the pot, repotting is not urgent.
• If growth appears mostly around the edges and the center is bare, the plant needs a larger pot.
This edge growth indicates rhizomes have reached the pot walls and are circling.
Selecting the New Pot
As explained on page 5, mint does not require a dramatically larger container. Moving up one pot size is usually enough.
Choose a container with:
• A drainage hole
• Space for about one inch of fresh soil beneath the root ball
• Room around the sides for new potting mix
Mint roots are not especially deep, so extreme depth is unnecessary.
Preparing the Root Ball
If the root ball is tightly compacted, you may gently loosen it by splitting the bottom slightly. However, this step is optional.
The rhizomes may look tangled or compressed, but they can usually remain intact.
Adding Soil and Planting
As shown on pages 6 and 7:
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Cover large drainage holes with a small stone, mesh, or coffee filter to prevent soil loss.
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Add a layer of potting soil to the bottom.
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Place the mint plant in the center.
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Fill around the sides evenly with fresh soil.
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Firm the soil gently and water thoroughly.
Removing Dead Stems
After repotting, trim away old woody stems.
Page 8 explains how to identify dead stems:
• No green growth at nodes
• Brittle texture
• Dry and brown
Use sharp scissors or pruners and cut close to the soil without damaging new shoots.
Within weeks, as shown on page 9, the plant will fill in quickly with fresh green growth.
How to Transplant Mint from Ground to Pot
If mint is already growing in a garden bed and spreading, you can move a clump into a container.
As described on page 10, mint is hardy and tolerates transplanting well.
Best Time
Spring, when new green growth appears.
Step-by-Step
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Select a healthy clump with upright green stems.
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Use a shovel to cut a circle around the clump slightly smaller than the pot’s diameter.
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Dig deeply to free the root system.
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Lift the clump and shake off loose soil.
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Transfer it into a prepared pot with fresh soil.
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Water thoroughly and place in a location with some sun but not harsh exposure.
Mint recovers quickly from this process.
Dividing Mint
While repotting, you can also divide the plant.
As explained on page 11:
• If rhizomes circle the root ball, snip them apart where desired.
• Separate the root ball from the bottom upward using your hands.
• Some roots may break, but mint recovers easily.
• If needed, trim stems for a clean split.
• Plant each division into separate containers.
This method is useful for sharing plants or controlling size.
Signs Your Mint Needs Repotting (2021 Example)
On page 12, four potted mint plants are shown and evaluated:
A. Growth trending toward edges but still healthy in center — can wait another year.
B. Even growth across surface — no need to repot.
C. Majority of growth at edges and stems looping outward — definitely needs larger pot.
D. Edge growth plus dead stems wrapped around rim — overdue for repotting.
These examples clearly show how edge-heavy growth signals overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
Mint is resilient, generous, and fast-growing. Its underground rhizomes are impressive but require control.
Keeping mint in containers prevents it from taking over your garden while still giving you plenty of leaves for tea, cooking, and fresh drinks.
With careful repotting each spring and occasional division, your mint plants will stay healthy and productive year after year.
