team-6/backend/storage/plants/benefits.mint.md
Tikhon Vodyanov 797fec3135 backend
2025-08-02 13:29:43 +02:00

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To boost mint production and quality, a combination of traditional and modern techniques can be employed.

  • Fertilization: Apply a liquid organic fertilizer every three weeks from mid-spring to late summer. For winter harvesting, fertilize every six weeks from fall to early spring.
  • NPK Fertilizer: A 16-16-16 NPK fertilizer is effective for mint plant growth without reducing the production of flavorful mint oil.
  • Composting: Adding a layer of compost to the soil before planting provides essential nutrients. A 3-inch layer is recommended for garden planting, and a 2-inch layer for pots.
  • Irrigation Management: Mint requires frequent and adequate irrigation, especially during summer. Watering at least three times a week helps maintain soil moisture.
  • Pruning and Harvesting: Frequent pruning and harvesting encourage new, succulent growth. Pinching off flowers extends the harvesting cycle.
  • Soil Requirements: Mint thrives in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.2.
  • Propagation: Mint can be propagated vegetatively through stolons and runners.
  • Planting Time: In northern India, the ideal planting time is from the first week of February to the second week of March.
  • Nursery Preparation: For delayed sowing, preparing plants in a nursery and transplanting them can yield good results.
  • Weed Control: Keeping the crop weed-free is essential, especially in the beginning, to ensure the main crop utilizes the available nutrients.
  • Pest Management: Pests like leaf-folding caterpillars and termites can damage the crop. Using organic insecticides can help in their control.
  • Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs): The application of PGRs like Gibberellic acid (GA3) can enhance herb and oil yield.
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Growing mint in a controlled environment can optimize growing conditions and protect against pests and diseases.
  • Hydroponics and Aeroponics: These soilless cultivation methods can lead to faster growth and higher yields.
  • Nutrient Solution Optimization: In hydroponics, using an optimal concentration of nutrient solution can increase soluble sugar content.
  • Waterlogging Avoidance: Providing adequate drainage is crucial, especially during the rainy season. Cultivating on ridges is preferable in heavy soils.
  • Mulching: Applying leaf mulches can reduce the frequency of irrigation.
  • Post-Harvest Processing: After harvesting, drying the crop lightly in the shade and then extracting the oil through distillation is recommended.
  • Sunlight Exposure: Mint grows well in both full sun and partial shade. In hot climates, partial shade is beneficial.
  • Container Growing: When growing in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound and provide good drainage.