GROW MINT FOR EARLY PICKING

Mint growing in the garden dies down during the winter and starts back into growth next spring, and isn’t usually ready to pick until around April or May. It can, however, easily be forced into growth so that you can enjoy fresh mint sauce earlier in the season. All you need to do is dig up some healthy roots, lay them on a pot of compost and cover over with a li le more compost. If kept moist and in a light, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory, new shoots will push through the compost as early as February.