What to Do with Lovage Plants: Tips and Tricks for the Home Gardener

If you're a home gardener, you know the satisfaction of growing your own vegetables and herbs. You may have heard of lovage plants, but do you know what to do with them? Lovage is a perennial herb that looks like celery and tastes like parsley. In this article, we'll explore the many uses of lovage and provide you with some tips and tricks for growing and harvesting this amazing plant.

1. Growing Lovage Plants

Before you can use lovage, you need to grow it. Lovage is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, fertile soil. Sow the seeds in early spring or late fall, about 1/4 inch deep, and water them well. Lovage plants can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide, so make sure to give them plenty of space. To maintain healthy plants, fertilize them every two weeks during the growing season.

2. Harvesting Lovage

The best time to harvest lovage is in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Cut the leafy stems at the base with a sharp knife or scissors. Never cut more than one-third of the plant at a time, or you could damage it. Lovage leaves and stems can be used fresh or dried for later use. Once harvested, store the leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week, or dry them in a warm, dark place for several days.

3. Culinary Uses of Lovage

Lovage has a strong, distinctive flavor that pairs well with soups, stews, and salads. The leaves and stems can be used fresh or dried to add a celery-like flavor to dishes. Here are some culinary uses for lovage:

• Add chopped lovage leaves to potato salad for a unique twist on a classic dish.
• Use lovage stems to flavor homemade stocks and broths.
• Add fresh lovage leaves to tomato sauce or pesto for a burst of flavor.
• Dried lovage leaves can be used in spice blends, such as Herbes de Provence.

4. Medicinal Uses of Lovage

Lovage has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It contains compounds that have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. Here are some medicinal uses for lovage:

• Lovage tea can be used to relieve bloating and indigestion.
• Lovage oil can be applied topically to soothe sore muscles and joints.
• Lovage tincture can be used to alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Lovage root can be chewed to freshen breath and promote oral health.

Lovage plants in a garden

5. Companion Planting with Lovage

Lovage is a great companion plant for many vegetables and herbs. Its strong scent can repel pests and attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings. Here are some vegetables and herbs that grow well with lovage:

• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Basil
• Thyme
• Oregano

Lovage plant growing among vegetables

6.

Lovage is a versatile and useful herb that every home gardener should consider growing. Whether you use it in the kitchen or for medicinal purposes, lovage is a valuable addition to any garden. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to grow and harvest lovage plants like a pro.

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