Mint - plant or keep inside for winter?

[boatrat]

A neighbor of mine just gave us a clay pot containing some wonderfully fragrant mint that he dug up from his herb garden after we complimented him on it. It's almost Fall here in NC...it's still in the 80s but could get cold at any time.

So, should I plant it outside and hope that it comes back in the Spring (his does) or keep it in the pot (it's plenty big enough, with lots of soil) and bring it inside through the winter?

Any and all tips appreciated! I'm a novice but hope to have a veg and herb garden next year.

Nak

[pinky]

It will definitely winter over just fine--my only concern would be that it would take over. Mint is very very invasive. I'm in NC and I keep some in a container that's outside year-round.

[Quaniliaz]

You could plant the whole pot in the ground to keep it from spreading. If it doesn't winter over, I bet you could get more from the same person!!

[canadiyank]

I'd keep it inside, and then plant it in the pot in the ground next year. I have a friend who keeps his in a whiskey barrel planter to keep it under control.