Best quote from How to Grow Mint, Basil, and Garlic: Seeds vs. Established Plants
The smartest move with mint is containment; think of it like a beautiful, fragrant pet that needs a very specific fence. Never let it touch the open ground unless you want a mint lawn by 2028.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
I want to grow mint in my garden outside my house. I would also like to grow basil and garlic. Can you give me advise on how I should proceed? I really prefer growing from established plants, but I wouldn’t mind learning something about growing them from seeds
Frequently Asked Questions
To start growing mint and basil in your outdoor garden, you can choose between buying established plants or starting from seeds. Established plants offer a head start and quicker harvest, which is ideal for beginners. If you prefer seeds, sow them in well-draining soil once the weather is warm. Mint is known for spreading rapidly, so consider planting it in a container or a dedicated area to keep it from taking over your herb garden.
Growing garlic is unique compared to herbs like basil and mint because it is typically grown from individual cloves rather than traditional seeds. Plant your garlic cloves in fertile, well-draining soil during the cooler months for the best results. Ensure the site receives plenty of sunlight and keep the area weed-free. This outdoor herb gardening technique allows the bulbs to develop properly over several months, resulting in a flavorful harvest for your kitchen.
Choosing between established plants and seeds depends on your patience and gardening goals. Established plants are perfect for those who want an immediate garden presence and a faster path to harvesting fresh basil and mint. However, growing herbs from seeds is a rewarding and cost-effective way to learn the full lifecycle of your plants. Both methods work well for outdoor herb gardening as long as you provide the right soil, water, and sunlight.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
