



All you need is an empty plastic bottle and a handful of peppermint to enjoy fresh leaves year-round. This space-saving, water-efficient, and eco-friendly DIY method is perfect for balconies, windowsills, or even indoors. Let’s break it down step by step:
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• 1 plastic bottle (2L or larger)
• Peppermint seeds or cuttings
• Rich potting soil with organic matter
• Sharp scissors or knife
• Cotton wick (optional, for self-watering)
• Water and a spray bottle

• Wash the bottle thoroughly and remove the label
• Cut it in half horizontally
• Make a few drainage holes in the bottom part
• For self-watering: make a small hole in the cap and insert the cotton wick

• Mix your soil with compost for added nutrients
• Moisten it slightly before planting

• For cuttings: soak them in water until they root
• For seeds: plant about 0.5 to 1 cm deep
• Choose a spot with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day

• Fill the bottom half of the bottle with water
• Invert the top half (with soil and plant) into it
• The cotton wick will draw up water as needed

• Keep the soil consistently moist—not soaked
• Mist the leaves if growing indoors
• Water when the top layer of soil feels dry

• Use compost tea or fish emulsion every 3–4 weeks
• Avoid over-fertilizing – peppermint is a vigorous grower!

• For aphids/spider mites: spray with neem oil or soapy water
• For fungi: ensure good airflow and avoid soggy soil
• For slugs: sprinkle crushed eggshells around the plant base

• Begin harvesting once your plant is bushy enough
• Frequent trimming encourages more leafy growth
• Pinch off flower buds to keep the leaves coming
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