Sunday night we had our first good frost. I was glad to see that the lemon grass didn’t suffer.
Lemon grass is good for drying and using in herbal teas, but if it gets frozen before you harvest it all, you’re in trouble. I usually cut the whole thing back to the ground and hang it in bundles for drying. Then I use it in potpourri and teas. It’s wonderful used in combination with lemon verbena and lemon grass for a healthy refreshing tea. Simply take equal amounts of each and steep in hot water for 3-5 minutes. It’s great hot or cold.
You can grow it or transplant it into a container and bring it inside if you like. I have never tried this myself since it get about 4 feet tall and wide. There’s just not enough room in our house for that large of a plant.
If you have never tried lemon grass before, be sure and look for it at your nursery next spring and give it a try. It makes a very handsome planting in the landscape. If you want to learn more about growing and using herbs, sign up for our newsletter and receive our latest e-book Herbs For Your Health: How to Grow and Use Them. Follow this link to receive yours instantly www.MidSouthGardeningAdvice.com
