Spring is Getting Closer

I'm already behind on my gardening. I still haven't started my tomato or pepper seeds. I did get my sugar snap peas planted, though. I went out the other day to see if they've poked their heads up (not yet) and I noticed my peppermint and spearmint are perking up. Mints spread and root very easily - some people call them "invasive." You can grow them in pots to contain them. Pinch the tips off to encourage bushy growth (this works for many herbs).

I like to include peppermint in my flower arrangments (I like to grow zinnias and roses). It adds a lot of green and smells good. By the time the flowers die the peppermint has grown roots, so I can replant it or pot it up to give to someone. Peppermint also looks pretty in a little vase by itself.

Here is one of my favorite peppermint recipes.

Peppermint Pineapple Drink
(This is very refreshing on a hot day. We like this with picnics.)

pineapple juice
fresh peppermint leaves
ice cubes

Fill your blender half to three-fourths full of pineapple juice. Add a handful of fresh peppermint leaves and a handful of ice cubes. Blend until the ice is crushed. Enjoy! You can adjust the amount of peppermint to suit your taste. (This is also good made with Pineapple-Orange juice.)