Lemon Balm Control: How to Keep this Herb from Taking Over Your Garden
If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, chances are you’ve tried growing lemon balm. This herb is known for its bright, citrusy flavor and calming properties. But if you’re not careful, lemon balm can quickly take over your garden, leaving little space for other plants to grow. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for controlling lemon balm so that you can enjoy its benefits without sacrificing your entire garden.
The Problem with Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a member of the mint family. Like many mints, it has a tendency to spread rapidly through rhizomes (underground stems) and self-seeding. While this can be great if you want a lot of lemon balm, it can quickly become a problem if you don’t keep it in check.
One of the biggest issues with lemon balm is that it can crowd out other plants in your garden. Its roots are shallow and spread wide, making it difficult for other plants to get the nutrients and water they need to thrive. Additionally, if you let lemon balm go to seed, it can produce countless tiny plants that will pop up all over your garden.
Tips for Controlling Lemon Balm
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep lemon balm under control. Here are some of our top tips:
Grow lemon balm in pots
If you’re worried about lemon balm taking over your garden, one of the easiest solutions is to grow it in pots. This allows you to control the plant’s growth more easily, and you can move the pots around to suit your needs. Just make sure to choose a pot that’s big enough for the plant’s root system, and use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Regularly prune lemon balm
If you’d rather plant lemon balm directly in your garden, you’ll need to stay on top of pruning to prevent it from spreading. Cut back the stems regularly to prevent them from flowering and going to seed. You can also dig up any plants that have spread too far and replant them in another part of your garden or give them away to friends.
Use barriers to contain lemon balm
If you’re really serious about keeping lemon balm contained, you can create physical barriers to prevent it from spreading. For example, you can bury a plastic barrier around the perimeter of your lemon balm patch to prevent the rhizomes from spreading outside of their designated area. Alternatively, you can plant lemon balm in a raised bed or container surrounded by a barrier of stones or bricks.
Harvest lemon balm regularly
One way to keep lemon balm from getting out of hand is to harvest it regularly. Not only will this prevent the plant from going to seed, but it will also encourage new growth and keep the plant from getting too bushy. Plus, you’ll have plenty of fresh lemon balm to use in your cooking or tea!
Lemon balm may be a delicious and beneficial herb, but it can quickly become a nuisance if you don’t keep it under control. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your lemon balm stays put and doesn’t take over your entire garden. Whether you choose to grow it in a pot or in your garden, regular pruning and harvesting are key to keeping lemon balm under control.
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