Growing Lemongrass and Lavender: Soothing Herbs for Home and Health
Lemongrass and lavender are aromatic herb plants that not only smell divine but also offer a host of potential health benefits. These herbs contain compounds that can help reduce stress, relieve pain, improve sleep, and more. Growing lemongrass and lavender is easy for novice gardeners and can provide an abundant harvest year after year. Read on to learn all about cultivating these healing herbs at home.
Introducing Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant originally from Asia that imparts a bright, citrusy flavor. It thrives in hot, steamy climates and is easy to grow at home for those living in zones 10-12. Even if you don't reside in a warm region, you can still grow lemongrass indoors.
This antiviral and anti-inflammatory herb contains beneficial compounds like citral, borneol, geraniol and limonene. Research indicates lemongrass may help:
- Reduce inflammation and joint pain
- Lower cholesterol
- Improve digestion
- Relieve headaches
- Repel insects
Lemongrass is delicious in teas, soups, curries and stir fries. Use it fresh or dried for a zesty citrus flavor.
Growing Conditions for Lemongrass
Lemongrass needs full sun exposure and warm tropical or subtropical temperatures between 70-100F. Grow it outdoors in zones 10-12 or pot it up for indoors. Lemongrass prefers loamy, well-draining soil.
Plant lemongrass stalks or use seed. Harvest lemongrass by cutting stalks a few inches above the soil. New shoots will continue to grow. Trim off outer leaves as needed. Bring potted lemongrass plants indoors before first frost.
Introducing Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant flowering herb originally from the Mediterranean valued for its litany of therapeutic uses. Over 40 species exist, with English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) being one of the most popular for home gardens.
Soothing lavender contains phytochemicals like linalool and linalyl acetate. Science suggests lavender may help:
- Alleviate anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep
- Reduce pain from migraines, arthritis, injuries
- Lower blood pressure
- Speed wound healing
- Repel insects
Lavender has a sweet, floral, herbaceous fragrance. Use it in teas, tinctures, salves, aromatherapy, and culinary dishes.
Growing Conditions for Lavender
Lavender needs at least 6 hours of sun daily and well-drained soil. It thrives in zones 5-9. The ideal pH range is 6.7-7.3. Plant in spring after the last frost. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.
Prune lavender in spring and fall to encourage bushy growth. Harvest lavender blooms just after buds open by cutting stems near the base. Potted lavender should be brought indoors in cold climates before first frost.
Companion Planting
Lemongrass and lavender make excellent companion plants in an herb garden. As aromatic plants, they help repel pests. Lavender in particular deters deer, rabbits, mice, and insects. Lemongrass helps keep aphids, moths, mosquitoes and other bugs at bay.
Both lavender and lemongrass thrive when paired with native flowering plants like bee balm, coneflowers, and sage. Include plants that attract pollinators for a healthy garden ecosystem.
Container Gardening
Don't have an in-ground garden? No problem! Lemongrass and lavender grow beautifully in containers on a porch, patio, or windowsill. Choose pots at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Use a quality potting mix and make sure containers have drainage holes. Situate in a spot with full sunlight. Water when soil is partly dry. Bring containers indoors if temperature drops below 45F.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lemongrass as needed to harvest stalks for tea or cooking. Discard any dead or diseased foliage. Lavender should be pruned twice a year in spring and fall. Cutting back leggy growth encourages a compact, bushy habit.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids and whiteflies and treat organically if spotted. Protect outdoor plants from frost and freeze.
Propagation
Lemongrass propagates readily from stalk cuttings. Simply take a stalk and remove lower leaves. Place the cut end in water until roots form then plant in soil. It also self-seeds in warm climates.
Lavender can be propagated from cuttings in summer or fall. Take 3-4 inch cuttings from new growth, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in sterile potting mix. Lavender can also be grown from seed.
Harvesting Lemongrass and Lavender
Harvest lemongrass by cutting inner stalks a few inches above soil level. The outer leaves are woody and discarded. Dry stalks, or use fresh.
Lavender flowers and leaves are used fresh or dried in teas, tinctures, oils and culinary dishes. For buds, cut stems when the bottom flowers on spikes begin to open. Time flower harvesting in the morning after dew dries.
Drying and Storing
To dry lemongrass, hang tied bundles of stalks in a warm, dark place until brittle. For lavender, hang flower stalks or leave blooms on stems, bunch, and hang upside down to dry. Store in airtight containers out of sunlight.
Using Lemongrass and Lavender
Enjoy lemongrass in teas, cocktails, soups, curries, stir fries and more. Lavender adds its fragrance to teas, ice cream, salad dressings, breads, and beverages. Extract oils from both herbs for aromatherapy benefits.
Try combining lemongrass and lavender in relaxing tea blends. Or add lavender buds and lemongrass stalks to a warm bath for an aromatherapeutic soak. Infuse both into oil or vinegar to use for massage, DIY beauty and home products.
Health Benefits and Uses
Research indicates lemongrass may help treat headaches, stomach issues, inflammation, high cholesterol and anxiety. Make a soothing tea with fresh or dried lemongrass.
Lavender demonstrates anti-anxiety, sedative, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. The pleasant aroma makes it a popular essential oil. Use in massage, baths, aromatherapy, and home remedies.
Precautions
Lemongrass is generally recognized as safe. However, pregnant women should use caution due to a chemical called citral that may increase menstruation or cause uterine contractions.
Lavender is typically safe but may interact with sedatives, blood thinners, and other medications. Use cautiously if pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss proper dosing with your health practitioner.
The Soothing Benefits of Growing Lemongrass and Lavender
With their myriad therapeutic uses and harvest of edible leaves, fragrant flowers, and medicinal stalks, lemongrass and lavender are two aromatic herbs every gardener should cultivate. These healing plants not only enhance health and home remedies, but also lend tranquility and beauty to outdoor spaces and indoor sanctuaries.
FAQs
Where is lemongrass naturally grown?
Lemongrass thrives in tropical and subtropical climates of Asia. It's considered a tropical plant suited to zones 10-12.
What are the health benefits of lavender?
Research shows lavender may help relieve anxiety, depression, pain, migraines, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
Can you grow lemongrass indoors?
Yes, potted lemongrass can be grown indoors year round. Place in a sunny spot and keep soil moist.
When should lavender be pruned?
Prune lavender twice a year – once in early spring and again in fall after flowering finishes.
What is the best way to dry lemongrass and lavender?
Tie lemongrass stalks in bundles and hang to dry in a warm, dark place. For lavender, hang cut stems or blooms upside down to air dry.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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