Caterpillars & Mint

[paulz]

We've got a massive tub of mint [about 18' across] This year it's looking very sad. The growth is poor, the lower leaves are yellowing and now it's covered in mini caterpillars. Any animal friendly way of getting shot of them? & Bucking the plant up? or shall we start from scratch?

[woofgang]

mint is resilient stuff. Cut it right back to nothing and dispose of the caterpillar infested growth then just leave the pot and it will shoot again. If you think that the soil is infested as well then dig out a couple of bits of root to replant and dump the lot. If the mint has been in the pot for a while then it might have exhausted the soil and need repotting anyway.

[robber1]

I made the mistake of potting mint up in a large pot with good compost which I kept well watered. It died back, turned yellow etc.I have not watered the mint since the end of May and it is not now planted in the best of conditions.Guess what?It is growing like mint should now.Caterpillars?All you can do is pick them off,spraying is obviously out of the question.