Mint is an easy-to-grow herb that has a wide range of uses in the kitchen, medicine, and cosmetics. It’s a perennial plant that can grow up to 120cm tall and has oblong, egg-shaped leaves that are green and grow crosswise on the stem. It’s a rapidly growing plant that can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
The plant is quite resilient and can withstand some of the extreme weather conditions experienced in Kenya’s dry, tropical climate, making it an accessible form of agriculture for small-scale farmers. Mint farming in Kenya has become an attractive opportunity for farmers looking to diversify their crops and increase their income. With relatively little in the way of expensive inputs required, farmers can easily grow mint and harvest significant profits.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to grow mint from seeds to maturity in Kenya. We’ll cover everything from the ideal growing conditions, soil preparation, planting, and maintenance to harvesting and marketing. Whether you’re a small-scale farmer looking to venture into mint farming or a hobbyist gardener looking to grow mint for personal use, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow healthy, productive mint plants in Kenya.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Mint is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of climates. However, it thrives best in cool and moist conditions. In Kenya, the best time to plant mint is during the rainy season. Mint requires a moderate amount of water to grow, but it is also important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
The ideal soil for growing mint in Kenya is loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Mint can also grow in sandy soil, but it will require more frequent watering. It is important to note that mint does not do well in heavy clay soil as it can lead to root rot.
When planting mint, it is important to ensure that the soil has a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. This is because mint prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. If the soil is too alkaline, it can affect the plant’s growth and yield.
It is also important to note that mint is a plant that requires a lot of nutrients to grow. Therefore, it is recommended to add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. This will help to improve the soil’s fertility and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant’s growth.
Planting Mint
Mint is a popular herb that is easy to grow in Kenya. Here are some tips on how to plant mint:
- Choose a location that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil. Mint prefers moist soil, but it can also tolerate dry conditions.
- Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. This will help improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.
- Plant mint seeds or cuttings in the soil. Seeds should be sown to a depth of 6mm and sprout within 10-15 days at room temperature or slightly warmer temperature. Cuttings should be planted horizontally in the soil.
- Space the plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
- Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mint plants like water, but too much water can rot their roots.
It is also important to note that mint can be invasive and take over your garden. To prevent this, consider growing mint in containers. This will also make it easier to control the soil moisture and nutrient levels.
Overall, planting mint is a simple process that can yield a bountiful harvest of this versatile herb.
Watering and Fertilization
Mint plants require regular watering to grow well. The amount of water needed depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In hot and dry weather, mint plants need more water than in cooler weather. As a general rule, water your mint plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to water too frequently.
When watering your mint plants, it’s best to water at the base of the plant rather than from above. This helps prevent moisture from getting trapped in the leaves, which can lead to disease. If you’re growing mint in containers, make sure the pots have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Fertilizing your mint plants can help them grow faster and produce more leaves. However, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and a weaker flavor. It’s best to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizer once a month during the growing season, starting in early spring.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can also be used to nourish your mint plants. These natural fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients and help improve soil structure. Apply organic fertilizer in the spring and fall, or as needed based on the condition of your soil.
It’s important to note that mint plants can be sensitive to high levels of salt in the soil. If you’re using fertilizers that contain salt, be sure to flush the soil with water periodically to remove any excess salt buildup.
Pest and Disease Management
Mint plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield. Proper pest and disease management is essential to ensure a healthy and productive mint crop. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect mint plants in Kenya and how to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of mint plants, causing curling and distortion of foliar. They also excrete honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, spray KINGCODE ELITE 50EC 10ml/20l or LOYALTY 700WDG 5g/20l or LEXUS 247SC 8ml/20l. Spray JAMBO CLEAN 100ml/20l to get rid of the sooty mold.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of mint leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain species of moths that feed on the stems and leaves of mint plants, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage cutworms, handpick them from the plants and destroy them. You can also use biological control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad.
Diseases
Mint Rust: Mint rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange pustules on the leaves of mint plants. It can spread rapidly and cause severe damage to the crop. To manage mint rust, remove infected plants and destroy them. You can also use fungicides like copper-based products or sulfur to control the disease.
Verticillium Wilt: Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of mint leaves. It can be difficult to manage once it infects the plants. To prevent verticillium wilt, practice crop rotation and avoid planting mint in the same soil for more than two years. You can also use fungicides like azoxystrobin or propiconazole to control the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of mint plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. It thrives in wet, poorly drained soils. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plants. You can also use fungicides like thiophanate-methyl or metalaxyl to control the disease.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Mint is ready for harvesting about 60-90 days after sowing, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. At this point, the plants have reached 8-10 cm in height. Harvesting is done using a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the plant. It is best to harvest mint early in the morning when the essential oils are at their highest concentration.
After harvesting, the mint should be washed and sorted to remove any damaged or diseased leaves. The leaves should be spread out on a clean surface to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Drying can take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on the environmental conditions.
Once the leaves are dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Mint leaves can be stored for up to a year if they are properly dried and stored.
Post-harvest handling is crucial to maintain the quality of the mint leaves. Improper handling can result in the loss of essential oils and reduced quality of the leaves.
Table 1 below summarizes the key steps for harvesting and post-harvest handling of mint.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Harvesting | Use a sharp knife or scissors to harvest the mint early in the morning when the essential oils are at their highest concentration. |
| Washing and Sorting | Wash the mint and sort out any damaged or diseased leaves. |
| Drying | Dry the mint leaves in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for a few days to a week depending on environmental conditions. |
| Storage | Store the dried mint leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year. |
Marketing and Value Addition
One of the advantages of mint farming is that the demand for mint is high both locally and internationally. Kenya is a major exporter of mint to the UK, Netherlands, and other countries. As a mint farmer, you can sell your produce to local markets, supermarkets, and export markets.
Value addition is also a way to increase your earnings. You can process your mint into essential oils, dried mint leaves, and mint tea. Essential oils are used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Dried mint leaves and mint tea are popular among consumers who use them for various purposes such as cooking, brewing tea, and making herbal remedies.
Here are some value addition ideas for mint:
- Essential oils: Distill your mint to extract the essential oil. You can sell the oil to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies or use it to make soaps, lotions, and other beauty products.
- Dried mint leaves: Dry your mint leaves and package them for sale. Dried mint leaves can be used in cooking, brewing tea, and making herbal remedies.
- Mint tea: Package your mint leaves for sale as mint tea. Mint tea is popular among consumers who want a refreshing and healthy beverage.
Marketing your mint is important to reach potential customers. Here are some marketing ideas:
- Local markets: Sell your mint at local markets such as farmers’ markets and roadside stands. You can also sell your mint to local restaurants and hotels.
- Supermarkets: Approach supermarkets and grocery stores to sell your mint. Make sure your packaging is attractive and your prices are competitive.
- Export markets: Sell your mint to international markets. You can use export agents or approach buyers directly. Make sure you comply with export regulations and standards.
Overall, mint farming in Kenya has the potential to be a profitable venture. By exploring value addition and marketing options, mint farmers can increase their earnings and contribute to the growth of the mint industry in Kenya.
Also Read: Oregano Farming In Kenya
Sources: Wakhungu, C. N., et al. “Prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 in marketed herbs and spices in Nairobi county Kenya: Consumer awareness, practices, and associated health risks.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 20.2 (2022): 31-61. Link: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jafs/article/view/242994
Rioba, Boke Naomi, Mwanarusi Saidi, and Francis Musyoka Itulya. “Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and irrigation regimes on growth and leaf productivity of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in Kenya.” (2014). Link: http://ir-library.egerton.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2671
