Best Companion Plants

Peppermint is a powerful ally in the garden for natural pest control. It acts as a potent natural deterrent for rodents; mice and rats are repelled by the strong scent of peppermint, making it an excellent plant to place near doors or potential entry points to keep pests away from food storage areas⁶. The essential oil from peppermint is also effective against a range of insect pests. Research confirms that peppermint essential oil is effective against the Greenhouse whitefly, a major pest of vegetables⁷. The volatile oils in peppermint, which are strongly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, are responsible for this repellent and antifeedant effect on insects⁵. For these reasons, peppermint is considered a good companion plant for many vegetables, helping to protect them.

Worst Companion Plants

Conversely, because mint is so aggressive and can easily overtake a garden bed, it is a poor companion for most plants if allowed to spread unchecked; it is best grown in containers to contain its roots. A simple non-toxic pest control spray can be made using peppermint Castile soap, neem oil, and water¹.

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Leaves are best harvested just as the flowers begin to bloom, on a dry day after the dew has evaporated, to capture peak essential oil content¹.

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Herbs should be preserved by air-drying or oven-drying and then stored in sterile, dark, airtight glass jars in a cool, dry place, where they can last up to 12 months¹.

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