Yes, your mint survive winter outdoors just fine with the right care and some basic protection in cold zones. Peppermint handles freezing temps the best and will come back year after year even in harsh climates. Other varieties like chocolate mint and apple mint need extra help through frost and snow to make it to spring.
I have grown mint through six Minnesota winters now and learned which types handle cold best. My peppermint came back strong every year without any cover at all. But my chocolate mint died the first winter I left it exposed. That experience taught me to match my mint frost protection efforts to each variety I grow.
Mint cold hardiness varies a lot between the different types you can find at nurseries. Peppermint survives down to -20°F (-29°C) by going dormant and storing energy in its roots. The stems above ground die back when frost hits hard. But the underground rhizomes wait out the cold and push up fresh growth in spring.
NDSU Extension research confirms that peppermint grows well even in North Dakota where winters get brutal. Most other mints die in those conditions unless you bring them inside or pile on thick mulch. Your success with overwintering mint depends on your zone and which variety you choose to plant in your garden.
The best mulch materials for mint frost protection include straw, shredded leaves, and pine needles. I have had good luck with all three over the years. Spread your chosen mulch 4-6 inches deep over the entire bed in zones 3-5. Pull it back a bit in spring once the ground thaws so new shoots can push through.
Container mint needs different care than garden plants to make it through cold months. You have three solid options for overwintering mint in pots. Move the container to an unheated garage where temps stay above freezing. Bury the whole pot in your garden bed and mulch over it. Or bring the plant inside to a cool bright window for winter.
Timing matters a lot when you add winter protection to your mint beds. Wait until after the first hard frost of fall before piling on mulch. If you cover too early the warmth traps moisture and can cause the crowns to rot. Let the plants sense cold and go dormant first then add your protective layer on top.
Watch how your mint survive winter each year and adjust your approach based on results. Some years bring milder cold and your plants breeze through with less protection. Harsh winters may kill off less hardy varieties even with good mulch cover. Keep notes on what works so you can make mint survive winter more reliably over time.
Your mint will push up fresh green shoots once soil warms in spring. Pull back the mulch when you see new growth starting so stems can reach sunlight. Cut away any dead brown stems from last year to make room for healthy new leaves. With proper winter care your mint patch will return bigger and stronger each new season.
Read the full article: Growing Mint: 8 Expert Advice for Success
