How do I get rid of mint? It's worse than bamboo or polonia.

[GoneOffShore]

I started four weeks ago pulling up mint roots. I've taken out 20-25 lbs of root and it's still showing its ugly little leaves.

I want to avoid Round Up but am I doomed to use it anyway?

[HamdenRice]

1. I have mint also

I find it's very controllable, unlike the other weed bane of my garden and life, morning glory.

I pull up a lot in the early spring (finished last weekend) but keep a small patch for cooking purposes, because I actually like mint.

I can't scientifically verify this, but my experience is that mint, like raspberries, sends out underground runners only during the off season, ie winter. I pull up all the mint that has invaded where I don't want it and keep about 1 square foot of it. It generally does not spread all spring, summer and fall.

I've never tried to eradicate it though because, as I said, I actually like to keep some around.

[tekisui]

2. You could lay down newspaper or cardboard and mulch over it,

that will smother it out.

There are also some organic herbicides available that can work.

[dgibby]

3. Vinegar will kill it (and everything else it touches), but

at least it won't poison your soil.

[ginnyinWI]

4. must. not. plant. in. garden!

It's just one of those things that doesn't get along well with others. I have mine growing around my well cover in a circle all by itself, and the only thing next to it is grass that gets mowed.

Alternately, grow it in a pot so its roots can't spread. It's lovely to have around though.

[K8-EEE]

5. I have corsican mint instead of grass

I love it! But the tiny kind isn't as invasive.

I also have chocolate scented mint planted in my sq ft garden, but inside of a ceramic pot. i just planted the pot!

[FloriTexan]

6. Mohitos

Lots and lots of mohitos. :party:

Mint does take over, but its nice to smell it on the dog after he's run through it and it seem to keep the weeds at bay.

[Melissa G]

7. LOL!!! I like virgin mojitos so I can drink more!

How to plant mint...
"Mint has shallow, creeping roots which can be broken off and placed either directly in the ground or in pots containing potting compost. Because mint is such a strong-growing plant, it can easily kill nearby plants. The solution when planting outside is to sink a bottomless container, such as an old bucket, in the ground and plant the mint in this area. The roots might not be stopped 100%, but it will do the job. Another alternative is to dig a hole to a depth of 30cm (1ft) and line it with black plastic (pierced with small holes for drainage). The soil is then replaced in the black plastic and the mint planted in that area."
The one disease that kills mint...
"Mint suffers from only one disease and that is rust - allow it to get a hold and it will kill all your mint plants. There are chemical sprays for rust, but they can often be only a part solution. The best method is to examine each plant carefully for signs of rust (orange blobs generally on the underside of the leaves) and remove any leaves affected - spray as well with a chemical if you want. If this does not remove the infection chop the plant down to ground level and burn it all - drastic, but the only cure in the late stages of rust infection. "

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_january_3_mint.asp

[Grey]

8. Repels ants,,, or so I heard.

To be planted around doorways and any where you have an ant problem.
Also ground up and added to you insect sprays. I love mint.

[Kolesar]

9. Repels deer, or so I read

The deer don't want to wear the fragrance because it gives their location away. So people plant it in the deers' paths.