During the summer season, mint becomes a necessity for every household. Whether you want to make cold chutney, raita, shikanji or mint tea, fresh leaves always come in handy. But it is not necessary to bring mint from the market every time. If you have an old plastic bottle lying in your house, then you can grow mint with a very easy home remedy. This method is low cost, space saving and perfect for kitchen garden. Growing mint in containers is considered best because it spreads quickly.

Easy way to grow mint from old bottle

First of all, take an empty plastic bottle of 1 liter or 2 liter. Wash it thoroughly and clean it so that there is no residue of drink or oil inside. Now cut the bottle lengthwise from the middle to the side so that an open part is formed at the top. This will be your small planter. Make 4–5 small holes at the bottom. This is very important because mint likes moisture, but stagnant water can damage the roots.

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what should the soil be like

Mint is a fast growing plant, so light and loose soil is best. You prepare this mix. Like 50% garden soil, 30% compost or cow dung, 20% sand or coco peat. This will allow water to drain easily and the roots will continue to get air.

Homemade trick to plant mint

If you have mint brought from the market, a new plant can be prepared from its stems. Take a stalk about 4–5 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Keep it in water for 4–5 days. Within a few days, white roots will start emerging below. As soon as the roots are around 1 inch long, plant it in the potting soil. This is the easiest home remedy by which mint grows without seeds.

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Where to keep mint and when to water it

Mint does not need very strong afternoon sun. Keep it in a place where it gets light sunlight for 4–6 hours. A slightly sunny corner of the balcony, kitchen window or terrace is best. The soil of mint should always remain slightly moist. That's why water every 1-2 days in summer. Water every 3-4 days in winter. Keep in mind that the soil should remain wet, but water should not accumulate.

trick to thicken mint

• When the plant becomes 5–6 inches tall, lightly cut the upper soft leaves.
• Due to this, new branches emerge from the sides and the mint becomes more dense.
• If you are not able to give water daily, then cut the bottle in two and fit the upper part upside down.
• Put a cotton cloth strip or thick thread in the lid, which reaches down to the water. It will slowly continue to supply moisture to the soil.
• This method is very useful especially in summer.
• With proper care, new mint starts emerging in 15–20 days and in about 25–30 days you can pluck it for chutney or shikanji.