This week, the spotlight is shining strong on a pungent herb that is common to many products we know and love.
Lemongrass, scientifically known as cymbopogon citratus, can make a wonderful addition to any greenspace or garden. This herb has a strong, punchy aroma + a wide array of household and medical uses!
Lemongrass will enhance both your outdoor space and your overall well-being.
This herb is widely known for its culinary uses, often mixed in broths + teas. More on that below. But first, let's dig into the advantages of planting lemongrass in your garden. And talk about how it can enhance both your outdoor space + your well-being.
Lemongrass acts as a natural insect repellent:
One of the most significant benefits of planting lemongrass is the natural insect-repellent property that it holds. The citrusy scent of this herb contains citronella, which acts as a natural mosquito + pest deterrent. By planting lemongrass near outdoor seating areas, windows, or patios, you can reduce the number of annoying insects.
And bonus...you get to enjoy the fresh fragrance the plant gives off in the process!
Lemongrass is aesthetically pleasing:
This aromatic herb adds an element of beauty to any garden. It's vibrant green foliage + bushy appearance make it an attractive ornamental plant. Lemongrass serves perfectly as a backdrop for other plants, and acts as a focal point in a curated garden design. It also provides a grassy + whimsical loo to scape design. This herb also complements numerous landscaping styles + techniques, making a great addition to formal gardens, as well as natural + rustic settings.
If you're not sold yet, wait until you read about how hardy this plant is!
Lemongrass is low maintenance, resilient, and loves full sun
Green thumbs of ALL skill levels can enjoy the benefits of lemongrass, because it's relatively easy to grow + maintain. This herb thrives in warm climates. But it can also adapt to a wide range of conditions. It requires well-drained soil, plentiful watering, and a sunny location. 6+ hours of full sunlight is best, but the herb can thrive on less light under the right conditions. Lemongrass is known for its resiliency, and often surviving extreme weather conditions, pests + other plant-related diseases. Once established, it can grow vigorously, providing a continuous supply of fresh stalks. That being said, be careful where you plant this herb, as it WILL remain hardy + continue to put out a hefty root system to support it's new growth.
Lemongrass is extremely versatile in the kitchen:
This herb boasts a unique + refreshing flavor that is widely used in cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asian dishes. Planting lemongrass in your garden allows you to enjoy the convenience of having fresh herbs readily available for cooking. Harvesting the lower portions of the stalks, incorporate them into your culinary creations. Lemongrass works well in soups, curries, marinades, teas, and especially cocktails. The delicate citrus + herbal notes of lemongrass will elevate your next dish to a whole new level.
Medicinal and Aromatherapy Benefits:
Lemongrass has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. It contains essential oils, such as citral and myrcene, which possess anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In traditional medicine, lemongrass is used to alleviate digestive issues, reduce anxiety, relieve muscle pain, and promote relaxation. Its calming aroma also makes it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy, promoting stress relief and mental clarity.
So in all...
Adding lemongrass to your garden offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond aroma + aesthetic. From acting as a natural insect repellent to enhancing your culinary creations, providing medicinal benefits + offering a low-maintenance addition to your garden, lemongrass is a versatile + rewarding plant to cultivate.
It's beauty, fragrance + diverse array of applications make it a delightful addition to any outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy it's numerous advantages while immersing yourself in the ambiance it creates.
So why not plant some lemongrass and unlock the many benefits it has to offer in your garden?
Tag @PaigePerfectsIt on social - show me YOUR lemongrass plant! And comment below with your best tips + tricks to benefit from this amazing herb!!