Reasons Why You Should Plant Lemongrass In Your Yard
Of all the decorative grasses you can choose from, lemongrass is unquestionably the cream of the crop. This grass is a versatile and fragrant herb that is a favorite of chefs and herbalists alike. As long as you live in an area that has plenty of sun and little risk of overnight frosts, then there are seemingly endless reasons why you should plant lemongrass in your yard.
Lemongrass is a great addition to any yard, as it helps repel mosquitoes and other bugs, and it prevents erosion while promoting soil stability. It is very popular in various cuisines and always tastes better fresh. You can make a delicious lemongrass tea that can help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and promote digestive health. Its amazing fragrance can be used to make essential oils and will make your yard smell lovely.
If you are looking for the perfect decorative grass to plant in your yard, or don’t know much about lemongrass, then this article is for you. Lemongrass has all sorts of diverse benefits that nearly everyone will find useful. Below is a list of the top 12 reasons why everyone in a warm and sunny area should plant lemongrass in their yard.
12 Reasons Why You Should Plant Lemongrass In Your Yard
1. Lemongrass Is Easy To GrowÂ
One great reason to plant lemongrass is that it is a fairly low-maintenance herb to grow in your garden. As long as you have a sunny area with well-draining soil, then your lemongrass should thrive.
Lemongrass loves the sun and warmth. If you live somewhere with cold winters, wait until the threat of frost is gone before planting this herb. You can also plant lemongrass in a container garden, and bring the pot indoors when temperatures dip below freezing. Either way, as long as you keep this plant warm and in the sun, it should stay happy.
2. This Plant Keeps Mosquitoes Away
If you are looking for easy and natural ways to keep mosquitoes away, look no further than lemongrass. The lemongrass plant contains the compound citronella. Citronella helps mask the scent of humans and can throw mosquitoes off, sending them in another direction.Â
If you are interested in planting lemongrass for its mosquito-repelling abilities, plant some near your patio, pool area, or anywhere you usually spend prolonged periods outside. You can also rub this plant on your skin to enjoy the benefits of citronella.Â
3. Consuming It Aids Digestion And Reduces Anxiety
Lemongrass is also a health remedy for several types of ailments. For one, it has been used historically as a digestion aid. You can put it in food, or make tea to enjoy these benefits.Â
This plant also has calming and anti-anxiety qualities. If you have high anxiety, or trouble relaxing (especially in the evening), then lemongrass is a good natural remedy. Lemongrass can even help you fall asleep if you have trouble sleeping. With all these natural health benefits, it’s easy to understand why lemongrass is such a great herb to plant in your yard.
4. Provides A Great Fragrance In Your Yard
If you are looking for ways to elevate your backyard experience, a lovely fragrance in the air is a great way to do that. Lemongrass is one of the few decorative grasses you can plant in your yard that also provides a citrus and sweet aroma.
Thanks to the citronella and other ingredients in lemongrass, there is a faint but lovely aroma that wafts from this plant. Not only does this help keep bugs away, but it provides a lovely fragrance throughout your backyard. The more you plant, the better your yard will smell.
5. Ideal For Those Who CookÂ
If you love to cook and experiment with different types of cuisine from around the world, then lemongrass is an ideal herb to grow. Lemongrass is used in many different types of cuisine. It is used in Thai dishes, as well as Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, and many other types of Asian cooking.
If you want to make delicious soups, curry, and crusted meat dishes, then grow fresh lemongrass. It will cut down on your grocery costs, and ensure you always have the freshest ingredients for your exotic recipes.
6. This Grass Can Promote Soil Stability And Prevent Erosion
Another reason why you should plant lemongrass in your yard is that it can help keep your soil and ground healthy. For one, the way this decorative grass grows tightly, and then in an expanding fashion, reduces soil erosion.
The plant also helps promote the healthy nutrients in the soil, by trapping them in place, rather than allowing them to disappear. Therefore, planting lemongrass in a sunny area where you have experienced erosion in the past can do great things for your soil and lawn.
7. This Plant Can Be Difficult To Locate In Grocery Stores
Depending on where you live, it can be very difficult to find lemongrass in stores. This is particularly true regarding fresh lemongrass. Therefore, if you are interested in cooking with it, or using lemongrass for any of its many benefits, then it’s always better to grow it at home.
Furthermore, having a constant supply of lemongrass in your yard can help make your neighbors like you. Providing this coveted herb for your neighbors and loved ones can do wonders for your popularity in your neighborhood.
8. It’s Always Better Fresh
Dried lemongrass is easy to find. You can get it at most grocery stores and buy it online. Fresh lemongrass can sometimes be found at Asian grocery stores and some gourmet markets, but it is always best picked fresh in the garden.
The fragrance and flavors in this herb lose their potency over time. Therefore, if you want the best and maximum amount of flavor from your lemongrass, for cooking or cosmetic purposes, you should grow it and cut it fresh.
9. Lemongrass Is Great For Your Skin And Hair
Lemongrass also has several cosmetic and beauty benefits. For one, lemongrass oil is a great scalp purifier. Applying it to your scalp will give it a deep clean and remove dirt and impurities. This promotes a healthy scalp.
Lemongrass also contains vitamin E, which is great for your skin. Applying lemongrass oil to your skin is a great way to promote healing and skin health.
10. Make Your Own Lemongrass TeaÂ
One of the healthiest and most delicious ways to enjoy lemongrass is to make fresh lemongrass tea. You can make a tea with stems that will provide all the great health benefits listed above. Lemongrass tea is great after a meal to promote digestion. It is also great before bed to help you sleep.
You can dry lemongrass and make your own dried lemongrass tea. This makes great gifts for family and friends around the holidays.
11. It Will Grow For Many Years If Properly Cared For
Lemongrass, unlike many herbs, is a frost-tender perennial. This means as long as your climate stays green all year and doesn’t freeze, then this plant will stay alive for many years. If you have mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures, you can protect this plant from overnight frosts.
If you live in a warmer climate, you can grow this plant year-round, and as long as it is properly cared for, it will continue to thrive.
12. You Can Make Your Own Essential Oil
If you are a fan of essential oils, you will be thrilled to learn you can make your own essential oil from lemongrass. Lemongrass essential oil is fantastic for making natural mosquito repellent. It promotes skin and scalp health, and it can even reduce anxiety and eliminate headaches.
Summing Up Reasons To Plant Lemongrass In Your Yard
Lemongrass is a miracle grass that has all sorts of amazing benefits. Some of the top reasons why you should plant lemongrass in your yard include the fact that it is easy to grow in any sunny and warm area and that it provides natural protection from mosquitoes. When consumed, it provides digestive support and can have a calming effect. You can use it in many Asian recipes, make fresh tea with it, and even make essential oil.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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