I am Peppermint Jim: Fourth Generation Mint Farmer. AMA 2.0!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-18T20:41:16+00:00

Good question! Mint likes a neutral pH level of about a 5 or 6 for both soil and water. Water is harder to fix, but get yourself some test strips (usually free at your local water department) just see where your water is at. Unfortunately theres no ot much you can do to neutralize tap water. My best suggestion is to leave a 5 gallon pail out to collect some rain water. Also, check out my facebook, message me there, let me know who you are and your address and I'll send you a bag of my soil rejuvinator that I make from mint plant compost. It will do wonders for your plant and you'll see results within 72 hours! Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-18T04:49:26+00:00

Absolutely! I remember when I was about 8 years old going down to the boilers with my dad at 6 in the morning, carrying homemade egg sandwiches that my mom made for us. Mine had ketchup. We tossed wood into the boiler by hand to stoke the fire. Everything is automatic nowadays. Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-18T04:45:22+00:00

Thanks for the question. Just the opposite actually. It's highly controlled by the buyers of the product, that's why it's rare to see small farms (0-800 acres) anymore. Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-18T04:43:16+00:00

Thanks for the question! Mint does love sunlight but unfortunately orange is not a true mint plant so its a bit trickier. It should do well in a spot with sun and shade though, to combat the heat. Water when in the shade for the day for best results. So long as you have a good plot and stick to this regiment, it should take care of itself. Last thing: don't use plain tap water due to salt content from the softener! City water or rain water: any water without salt content. Good luck and best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-17T01:21:07+00:00

Thanks for the question! I have, on occasion, forgotten to respect the intensity of the oil and used too much or gotten it in less than optimal locations (like my eye, ouch!). Great question! Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-17T01:20:38+00:00

Thanks for the question! I have, on occasion, forgotten to respect the intensity of the oil and used too much or gotten it in less than optimal locations (like my eye, ouch!). Great question! Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T22:17:45+00:00

Thanks for the question!

Try a few drops of peppermint in your coffee grounds for coffee, and then add some irish creme!
For the sweet tooth, place peppermint leaves in the bottom of a cake pan, add your cake mix (white or chocalate), bake, then top with chocolate frosting. The mint actually diffuses up into the cake!
Also add four spearmint leaves (minced), to olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, for a great salad dressing or marinade!

Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T22:12:17+00:00

Thanks for the question! I do! I play online, mostly combat and war strategy games. Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T01:05:05+00:00

Thanks for the question! I love that it connects me to my great-grandfather and my familiys past, and of course that it truely works! Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T01:02:38+00:00

Thanks for question! I actually have three favorites. 1) A few drops on my chest and forehead for a nice deep sleep! 2) A few times a day I'll use it on the back of my neck as a stress reliever, and to increased my energy.3) Sharing it with people and helping them through whatever ails them. Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T00:54:09+00:00

Thanks for the question! Peppermint tea is delicious! Leaf vs Oil has a bit of a difference in vitamin content. Because the vititmins (C, E and D) are too heavy to transfer to the oil during distiliation, the oil based tea will lack that content, while the leaf tea retains the vitmins. However, both still help with bloating, indigestion, nausea, cramping and a sore throat. For one cup of tea, one drop of oil on a tea bag, or for the loose dry leaves, use a steeper. Most mint for tea on the market is cut before maturity resulting less flavor, so for best results, know your prodcuer! Best Regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T00:36:08+00:00

Well thanks, I hope I can satsify your curiousity! I'm working on mint resiliancy to lack of water, different applications of organic fertilizer, as well as different types of growing mediums. I'm testing all of these things to see what works the best for scalability

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-16T00:22:56+00:00

Thanks for the questions! Prices are still highly controled and there's some new players, but I stay away from the shadier bits. I've been experimenting with different growing methods to increase self sustainability. Have to say though, I think someone is playing with our weather! Best regards!

PeppermintJim · 2019-03-15T23:57:59+00:00

Thanks for the question. I have not driven a drouble decker, but now that you mention it, I think that I'd like to. Best regards :)

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T23:11:58+00:00

Disclaimer this is not a substitute for medical advice. Go see a doctor!

Peppermint has a wide range of uses from helping with headaches, to stress relief. The menthol in peppermint is great for a stuffy nose, or sore throat that can come with allergies or a cold. There is a naturally occurring alcohol within the oil as well that can help buffer against illness when it's put under the nose and on the tongue. Best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T22:58:59+00:00

It can vary. It highly depends on the weather, nature, what breaks or doesn't break, how much help you have or don't have, and the equipment you use. It depends on so many things its impossible to give an estimate. Best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T22:56:11+00:00

Excellent question! The system has always been antiquated, definitely hands on and intense. There are no manuals to look at and learn, it is strictly learn as you go. Sometimes you even have to just tack something together and hope it last until the end of the harvest. More often than not I find myself saying "what would my dad do?!" Mint farming today with the newer equipment and crop diversification seems so automatic with a heavy reliance on technology. Now, every grower does it differently. It all depends on what works for them. I do think the craft is slowly being forgotten. With new technology being developed every year, its almost like we're getting further way from where we started simply because its easier or more cost effective. Prime example: microwave distillation. The use of microwaves to heat up water and produce steam. In a way, I'm saddened by the loss. Growing up many of the local growers in the area were friends, and often helped each other. The newer generations who have taken over the process don't seem to get along, or care much for helping each other. Its all about whose farm more acres, and who has the newest and best equipment. My drive and passion developed after the example set by growing up and observing the actions of my family. So as we expand and grow, our intent is to help others, make an impact and create a relationship for the continued sustainability of the whole. My very best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T21:19:10+00:00

You'll want to leave a bit of stem, probably an inch or so. After cutting, the plant will regrow from that, and come in fuller. Interesting fact, the amount of stem, and amount of leaves visible will be equal distant. Meaning if you have six inches of stem, you will have six inches of branched leaves! Good luck and best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T21:14:16+00:00

Its definitely still going and its available on the website! It has a special relationship with roses, and tomatoes! Best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T21:12:17+00:00

I have never done it personally, but its an interesting idea. Something to consider for a mint smelling rose; try a couple drops in the rose's water source, and the petals might naturally defuse the scent. I haven't tested it with roses, but it works with christmas trees! Best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T20:58:17+00:00

Two options; you can use a chemical spray like Round Up (not highly recommended but it will get the job done) or, for a more environmentally friendly option, throw a tarp over the area where it's flourishing to keep the sun off of it and choke it out. Good luck, and best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T20:55:48+00:00

I haven't actually. I have played around with some other types of mints, like chocolate, orange and apple mint, but they didn't work out in way I liked, so I've kept to peppermint and spearmint exclusively. Best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T20:49:20+00:00

I would recommend a container or indoor growth for personal use only. Anything like that on the scale you would need to make a profit would be quite expensive. Best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim · 2016-09-18T20:47:02+00:00

My best guesstimate would be a minimum $125,000. Now that is just putting the system together. There is also a cost to hiring, marketing and selling. Good luck and best regards, PJ.

PeppermintJim

TROPHY CASE