How to cut leaves from a Mint Plant?

I have a Mint Plant my friend gave me, I used to put them in the soil directly but since they were growing all over the place, I put them in a Pot (small one). I cut leaves from them, but I am not sure I should cut them just the leaves or from the stem itself? Which is the best option to allow them to grow more and more? Also, how to dry these mint leaves so I can use it for a longer time. Thanks. Chris

How to cut leaves from a Mint Plant?
I'm no expert, but my parents have mint plants in their back yards (which grew like wildfire, also) and we used to cut them for mint juleps all the time. I would cut from the stem so that the stem can continue to grow. I'm not sure they would grow as fast if you cut only the leaves. To dry them, a food dehydrated would be optimal. Other than that, you could try hanging the stems in a cool, dry place and letting them dry that way. Or, you could trim the leaves off of the stems and place them between paper towels and put them between the pages of a heavy book.
Reply:Short of deliberately trying to kill the plant, they will continue to grow in spite of anything you do. As for cutting or shaping, we always just pinch off what we need to juleps, jellies, etc. Wherever you take from, it will force it to bush out more. Enjoy!
Reply:mint grows like a weed, once you have it, it is really hard to get rid of. If you hang the stems (and leaves) upside down in a dry place they will dry over a week or so, I normally just break off a sprig as needed.
Reply:You cut the leaves off the stem. You can pinch them off with your fingernails very easily. If you have a stem with noleaves at all on it you can cut the stem off at the base.


Just the leaves. They need a LOT of sunlight and good root drainage to grow more and more. Soil with some sand in it will give the root drainage so the soil does not stay too wet.
Reply:Cut the stem and all. Then you can run your fingers up the stem and strip the leaves off. OR you can probably use the stem too.
Reply:with a blade or a knife or a pair of scissors would be ok!