Growing Mint Leaves, Mentha without soil, using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza
- Mint leaves or menthe soppu in kannada is a popular aromatic herb which is extensively used for culinary purposes in various dishes.
- Mint leaves extract is used as an insecticide and its most effective against mosquitoes and ants
- mint leaves consumed in the form of tea reduces stomach pain and some believe it is a strong diuretic
- menthol is added in cigarettes as it blocks the bitter taste of tobacco
- common antipruritic used against insect bites
- commonly used in aroma therapy
Since mint leaves love cooler climate and is pretty much a shade loving plant, the challenge of growing such a plant in Mangalore's unforgiving heat conditions was something i was looking forward to
Dec 3, 2009 mint leaves stem picked from market and placed in coco peat grow container
Dec 9, 2009 grow nutrients added
jan 4, 2010 luxuriant growth and green color
feb 14, 2010 the mint leaves were then again re transplanted in different containers and the results were still amazing
No pesticides used, no chemicals sprayed
march 5, 2010 shows no sign of slowing down. even more growth
Note
- the grow containers were kept in my car shed and i didnt use shade net
- even though mint leaves extract is an insecticide the plant is still susceptible to aphids and white flies, hence regular neem spray is a must
- pluck the leaves along with the stalk to encourage more growth and lateral shoots
All pics and data by Pritham Denzil D'Souza
