How to Transplant Mint

Transplant mint in the early spring before it begins to sprout new leaves, or in the fall after it has mostly died back. Prune the plant, cutting it back to within a few inches of the soil. Harvest any leaves that are still on it when you cut it back, and dry or freeze for culinary use.

Choose a location. Decide if you want to plant it in a container or in the ground. Mint can grow in full sun, but it does better in partial sun. Choose a spot near the kitchen if you plan to use it frequently for cooking.

Prepare the new location. If you will be planting it in a container, it should be larger than the container the plant was in originally. Expect the plant to live for several years in its new container and plan the size accordingly. Fill the container with a high-quality soil, preferably one that has a moisture-control feature.

Prepare the location differently if you wish to plant the mint directly into the ground. Choose a large terracotta or ceramic pot and break out the bottom of the container. Dig a hole large enough to sink the container into the ground. Fill the container with a combination of the dirt you dug up and with compost. Give your mint a bed of its own far from other plants if you wish to plant it in the ground without using a container barrier.

Dig up the mint in the early morning and move it to its new home. Plant it and give it a good watering. Water each day for the first few days, until the plant has established itself. After that, it will not need frequent watering or even much care. Your mint will quickly fill in its new home.