Can any gardeners help me?

[SterlingAcres]

I've got 2-3 flower beds covered with this (what I believe to be) spearmint. Is it edible? Can I make tea with it or something else? It smells FANTASTIC!

thanks in advance

 

[setter4]

Looks like catnip to me.

 

[seedcorn]

U R correct.........tastes good

 

[Mahonri]

Catnip. Dig it up.

 

[LindaN]

Catnip makes a nice tea. Very soothing and good for you.

 

[MrsSmitho]

Hey there

Yes, it does look like a mint. Squish some between your fingers and smell, if it smells like mint, it is!! Lucky lady!
You can make tea, or dry it and make sashes out of it. Put it in an old sock with some rice, nuke for a minuite and enjoy the aroma while easing sore muscals!!

There are a ton of things you can do with it. Google rocks!!

Good luck!
Kim

 

[SterlingAcres]

Wow! Catnip!? What all can I use it for? Is it wild or planted by previous owners? I've got a ton of it.

And I have no cats, since I'm allergic.

 

[seedcorn]

Quote:
If it smells like spearmint, it is. catnip doesn't smell anything like spearmint. sorry reading comprehension not good......

 

[cyrixlord]

yah looke like catnip, it wont hurt you. i like growing mint myself. I use it in some nice dips and recipes. Especially nice to mix crushed mint with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and serve with pita bread and Tahini

 

[Bebop]

Doesn't look like catnip at all. I grow all kinds of mint: chocolate, orange, pineapple, apple, and spear and peppermint. There are all kinds of cultivars.
Catnip is related, but is lighter in color and its leaves are more spade-shaped.

catnip

spearmint

Looks like spearmint to me. It spreads everywhere and darn hard to get rid of!
I love it!
Many uses! I like making teas and using as a garnish! You can also make it into jellies!
>^.^<