Dig it out, dig it out. I've heard that putting on a heavy layer of mulch can help "raise" the root runners into the loose mulch, making them easier to remove.

I've heard that using vinegar to kill it helps, but I'm not too sure about that one. Or maybe try using black plastic sheeting to smother it out.

A bit tongue in cheek here but also very true -- find a use for your apple mint. Make tea, mojitos, give dried leaves to friends, etc., etc.....and you'll find it will decide to not be as vigorous for you and may vanish altogether. I think EVERY long-time herb grower here can probably share one of those stories. ;)

FataMorgana

Hi Beesneeds! I'm going to have to do the plastic sheeting, sadly I have to dig up plants to do it, blaaugh. I figured I might look for a lazy way to do it. :P

Hi fatamorgana! Ugh, no I can't stand the stuff, I like chocolate mint, but that applemint, pheww! Yucko! I'd rather give it to my enemies, ha ha! If it wasn't such a hassle I'd put an ad on freecycyle. Generally when I don't like a plant, it takes off and takes over. If I really want to grow a plant, it'll die for sure, ha ha!

Is it definitely Apple Mint? I can't relate to hating it so much. I think the scent and flavour are lovley.

Be lazy mersi.... I strongly recommend it being a lazy gardener myself, lol. Lay down a heavy layer of mulch, like straw or grass clippings.. then lay down your plastic. You can raise up your apple mint roots and cook the snot out of it at the same time. And bake down your mulch layer.

Although apple mint is one of my top three favorites in mint.. chocolate and ginger being the other two.... And honestly, I use my apple mint in winter wreaths, sachets, and so on because I love the scent so much. I get it that some folks don't like some kinds of mint. I utterly loathe spearmint- I'm taking a risk right now growing a variety, and keeping my eye and tastebuds on it. I rather dislike peppermint as well, and haven't planted it yet into the array of mints I have in my yard due to my dislike of it.

I have no green fingers but I was pretty good at killing plants when I was a kid in the school garden. Try pouring boiling water on them. :D :D :D :D :D

Hi Beesneeds! LOL, that's too much work if you're lazy hee hee! I will have to cook the snot out of 'em (yummy mental imagery), lol! I love peppermint (well chocolate mint only, I'm a mint snob) but hate spearmint too, bleech. If you are in Pennsylvania come on down and take all the applemint you want (and if you do that'll help me be even lazier!) :D

Hi James Lim! If you want to try to kill my plants please be my guest. :) I've been building small fires on them but they don't take the hint, applemint is so stubborn! I've taken to swearing at it and shaking my fist, but all I hear are tiny giggles as they stretch out their roots and grow even MORE. Waaaauuugh!