Suddenly wilting mint

karma2009

12 years ago

I started an herb garden this spring, in the ground, and everything has taken off, including a spearmint plant. New growth on the mint, it looked happy until a few days ago when it suddenly started wilting. I can see no bugs or other signs of disease, just that the entire plant is wilting and will likely be dead in a week if it continues down this path. I tried watering thinking that would perk it up, but no change. I'm at a loss to figure out what is wrong, the rest of the herbs in the garden are doing fine, including a chocolate mint plant. Any suggestions for what went wrong and/or saving this plant?

My husband uses SprayNGrow on the garden, but since the rest of the herbs are doing well and this one did too up until now I don't think that is the problem, but I will rely on your collective wisdom to steer me in the right direction!

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Comments (4)

fatamorgana2121
12 years ago
Generally most herbs do not require fertilizer. In fact some resent it. Most mints thrive on abuse rather pampering.

How long has the spearmint been in the ground? And has your weather been hot, cold, extra rainy, dry, or ?? lately?

FataMorgana
CA Kate z9
12 years ago
I wonder if you might have an underground pest eating the roots. I guess I'd dig it up and have a look-see.
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karma2009
Original Author
12 years ago
The plant has been in the ground for 6 weeks, weather has been on the cool side for the first 4, and not too much rain. The growth at the ground level seems a bit improved today after a heavy rain, but the top foliage is still looking sad. I think today I'll cut it back to where it looks like it's improving and see if it comes back.

I never thought of underground pests! Will dig it up if it's a goner and take a look. Thanks for the input, as a fairly new gardener I appreciate your help!
User
12 years ago
I live in NJ...mint is growing like crazy here, so nothing environmental as weather has been fine for just about anything. What is Sprayn'grow? I use nothing to feed mint btw.

Something else is wrong as usually the problem with growing mint is...
Preventing it from taking over the earth!

You don't use any herbicides, do you?!