Lemon Grass: From Garden to Kitchen

Lemon Grass hasn’t really been on my radar much. But I grew it last year and overwintered it in my greenhouse and this year ended up with a humongous plant! I thought it would be a shame not to do anything with it, so I dug the huge mass up in the waning days of fall.  Cutting off a good portion to propagate it for next years’ start was just the beginning. I was left with a huge huge mound of beefy stalks to separate and clean for use later in the year.

 

5 Tips for Growing Lemongrass

• Plant lemongrass in spring, once all chance of frost have passed. You can grow it in a container, but it will get huge, so make sure you use a large container (at least 12″ wide). I grow mine in the ground.
• Lemongrass likes it hot, so grow it in an area with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
• Mix several inches aged compost or other rich organic matter into your soil.
• Provide lemongrass with consistent moisture and water when the top inch becomes dry.
• Harvest lemongrass stalks once plants reach 12 inches tall and are a half-inch wide at the base.

Due to its tropical nature, lemongrass usually only survives winters in zones 8 and warmer.

In cold regions, overwinter lemongrass indoors by digging up a few stalks,  or cutting up the root ball with a spade. Place them in a bright, south-facing window. Keep soil barely moist, as plants grow very little over winter.

 

Chopping the root mass up with a spade was quick work to separate it into many pieces and I saved the largest juiciest stalks for use in my cooking projects and for some fragrant tea.

The whole time I was working with the grass, I was surrounded by a wonderful intense lemony scent that worked itself into my clothing and hands. Since it was a brisk day outside, I thought I would relax with some lemon grass tea, brewed from the fresh stalks.

Lemongrass Uses

So, What is Lemongrass? Also called citronella, it is a tall stalky grass with an intense, lemony aroma. Commonly used in Thai cooking and bug repellent, I also use the essential oil as an attractant for honeybees. Used in aromatherapy to freshen the air, reduce stress, and uplift the mood, it is also said to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. One of the most popular and simplest way ways to enjoy lemongrass is through a brewed tea.

Common in Thai cooking, lemongrass gives a lemony zing to all kinds of dishes – stir fries, soups,  and curries. I tried it in Lemongrass Beefy Stir Fry and it was simply delicious!