Why is my new Peppermint start straining to reach the sun when it says to grow in shade?

Question

I have it in a pot and the main stem is growing long and bending to reach the sun.

Answer 1

Probably too much shade.  The term "shade" does not normally mean "deep shade" - shade is an area that filtered sun or not enough hours of sun to be considered "partial sun" - so shade is relative.  I would place it where some filtered sun or short amounts of direct sun do reach it.  They also do tend to be long and leggy - give it a little less water for a denser growth habit and pinch it back a little now and then.