Benefits of growing lemongrass in your garden

Lemongrass or Citronella is a herb that belongs to the grass family. There are 55 varieties of lemongrass but only two varieties are used for cooking and medicinal purposes. They are East Indian lemongrass and West Indian lemongrass. The east Indian lemongrass is native to India, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. The west Indian lemongrass is native to Malaysia. Lemongrass is perennial but not frost-tolerant. It grows up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It can be planted in containers but it does not grow that tall. You can purchase lemongrass stalks from garden stores and plant them in your garden. Lemongrass grows quite fast when planted in a sunny location. When lemongrass matures you can graft the stalks and grow new plants. Growing lemongrass can have many benefits.

Benefits of growing lemongrass:

1. Pleasant fragrance

You can grow lemongrass near your seating areas or indoors. The pleasant scent of lemongrass helps to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

2. Good insect and pest repellant

Lemongrass contains a natural oil called citronella and this repels mosquitoes. Growing it as a companion plant helps to get rid of aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. It is also known to repel snakes and rodents.

3. Controls soil erosion and acts as a ground cover

Growing lemongrass at the edges of your garden can control soil erosion. Mature lemongrass grows up to 2 feet wide and helps to keep soil in place. Growing it in barren garden spaces can help shade the soil. It can also help to retain moisture in the soil.

4. Culinary uses

Lemongrass has been used in a wide variety of dishes mostly in South Asian, Southeast Asian and Thai cuisines. It’s leaves can be used to brew a healthy tea. It can also be used to flavour dishes and desserts.

5. Natural Medicines

Lemongrass contains substances that help to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, and treat digestive problems and high blood pressure. Tea made from lemongrass helps to prevent heart problems and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to purify the liver.