Water mint when the top inch of soil feels dry. For mint in pots, that is about every 2 to 3 days, and every day in hot summer weather. Mint in the garden needs about 1 inch of water a week, given in 1 or 2 deep waterings. Mint likes moist soil but not wet, muddy soil.
A starting point, not a rule. Check the soil before each watering and stretch the gap in cool, cloudy weather.
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Mint needs water every 2 to 3 days in a pot and 1 to 2 times a week in the ground. It is one of the thirstiest herbs you can grow. In nature, mint grows near streams and in damp spots, so it loves soil that stays a little moist all the time.
Mint watering schedule
| Where it grows | How often |
|---|---|
| Small pot on a windowsill | Every 1 to 2 days |
| Medium or large pot | Every 2 to 3 days |
| Outdoor pot in full sun | Every day in summer |
| Garden bed | 1 to 2 times a week |
| Winter, indoors | Every 4 to 5 days |
How do you know when mint needs water?
Touch the soil. If the top inch is dry, give it a drink. Mint also shows you clearly when it is thirsty. The leaves go soft and the stems flop over. Most of the time, the plant stands up again within an hour of watering.
How to water mint
- Water the soil, not the leaves. Wet leaves can get rust and mildew spots.
- Water until it drains. In a pot, keep going until water comes out of the bottom.
- Water in the morning. The plant has water for the hot part of the day.
- Add a little mulch outside. It keeps the soil from drying out too fast.
Signs of too much or too little water
Too much water
- Yellow lower leaves
- Brown, mushy stems at the soil
- Wilting even though the soil is wet
- Tiny flies around the pot
Too little water
- Droopy, soft stems
- Dry, curled leaf edges
- Small leaves with weak flavor
- Early flowers
Is mint easier to grow in a pot?
Yes, and it is the best way to grow it. Mint spreads fast with roots that run under the soil, and it can take over a garden bed. A pot keeps it in one place. Just remember that pots dry out faster, so check the soil more often in summer.
How does the season change mint watering?
Mint grows fastest in spring and summer, so it drinks the most then. In fall, growth slows and the soil stays damp longer, so water less often.
Outdoors in cold places, mint dies back to the ground in winter. The roots are still alive, so give the soil a drink only during long dry spells. Indoor mint keeps growing in winter, just slowly. Check the soil every few days and water when the top inch is dry, usually every 4 to 5 days.
Mint watering FAQ
Should I water mint every day?
Only in small pots or during hot summer days. Most of the time, every 2 to 3 days is enough.
Can mint grow in just water?
Yes. Mint cuttings grow roots in a glass of water in about a week. Change the water every few days.
Why is my mint turning brown?
Brown, crispy leaves usually mean too little water. Brown, soft stems usually mean too much.
We turn horticulture research and real growing experience into plain-English watering schedules you can actually follow.