manicmower wrote:Thank you. I did have mint in my yard in years past, but as it became a problem, I systematically got rid of it.
can I keep the plant in check by some measure? What should I try? Would I chop the main root system with a shovel?
The easiest way is to sink a large pot in the ground with the mint in it. This is not fool proof as it can escape but if you lift the pot every other year or so, take out the excess and repot, it should stay confined.
Other than that plant it in a nice pot above ground. I do this with some spearmint so it is to hand when I want it for cooking. I have it sitting in a shady spot near my back door next to the kitchen.