Mint can be terribly invasive, particularly in rich, moist soil. To keep it from overtaking your yard, confine it to a bed with edging of metal or plastic. Bury edging to a depth of 14 inches around the perimeter of the mint patch, or simply grow the plants it in pots.

A single plant is plenty for a small garden, as it will quickly spread to fill its allotted space. Choose a sunny location with moderately fertile, humusy soil. Use a light mulch to retain moisture and keep leaves clean.

Once plants are growing vigorously, you can harvest young or mature leaves. Don’t be afraid to cut the plants back frequently to promote fresh growth. Rusty spots on leaves indicate a fungal infection; pick and destroy blemished leaves and propagate new plants from uninfected cuttings to cultivate in a new location. You can dry mint leaves on trays or by hanging bunched branches upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area, such as an airy attic or outbuilding. Fresh leaves are easy to freeze too.