Question
QUESTION: "I have a mint plant (grown indoors) that I purchased at a local grocery store.  It had nice big leaves and such to use.  But anytime new growth occurs (or I pinch some leaves off to use), the leaves are tiny.  it never grows large leaves again.  I've tried pinching off new growth so that it would fill in but that new growth is still tiny leaves.  This happens with every mint plant I've owned.  It has plenty of light (can it get too much light?) and water.  What am I doing wrong?  I never get to use my mint b/c its so small."

ANSWER: Rebecca:
Mint must be outdoors in full sun or semi-shade to grow well. It must be fed at least once every 3 weeks. Soil should be composted with good drainage. Prune the branches as soon as they reach 6".It normally returns each year,depending on how cold it gets. It must go dormant in the winter to return in the spring. You can grow it in a pot,8"-12" deep or in the soil. It will take over an area,so give it room to roam.

Leroy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So there is no way to bring it indoors during the winter to have mint throughout the year?  I have it in a small pot (its a small plant at the moment and we rent so I can't plant anything in the ground).

Answer
Rebecca:
Normally mint will not grow year round indoors. Even,outdoors it will go dormant with a few leaves. Place in a larger pot and place outdoors and harvest the leaves as they become available. Place leaves in a blender with some water,blend them and strain. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Place in zip lock bags. You will have your mint all year. Place a cube into cup for tea. You can also place a leaf into each cube for a stronger flavor.

Leroy