Growing Mint Leaves using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore

Growing Mint Leaves, Mentha without soil, using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza

• Mint leaves or menthe soppu in kannada is a popular aromatic herb which is extensively used for culinary purposes in various dishes.
• Mint leaves extract is used as an insecticide and its most effective against mosquitoes and ants
• mint leaves consumed in the form of tea reduces stomach pain and some believe it is a strong diuretic
• menthol is added in cigarettes as it blocks the bitter taste of tobacco
• common antipruritic used against insect bites
• commonly used in aroma therapy

Since mint leaves love cooler climate and is pretty much a shade loving plant, the challenge of growing such a plant in Mangalore's unforgiving heat conditions was something i was looking forward to

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

Dec 3, 2009 mint leaves stem picked from market and placed in coco peat grow container

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

Dec 9, 2009 grow nutrients added

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

jan 4, 2010 luxuriant growth and green color

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

feb 14, 2010 the mint leaves were then again re transplanted in different containers and the results were still amazing

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

No pesticides used, no chemicals sprayed

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

march 5, 2010 shows no sign of slowing down. even more growth

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

From Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics

Note

• the grow containers were kept in my car shed and i didnt use shade net
• even though mint leaves extract is an insecticide the plant is still susceptible to aphids and white flies, hence regular neem spray is a must
• pluck the leaves along with the stalk to encourage more growth and lateral shoots
  

All pics and data by Pritham Denzil D'Souza