How TO Harvest Lemongrass: Tips AND Tricks FOR Growing AND Using This Versatile Herb

Published on: 11 March 2024 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Lemongrass is a tropical herb that has a fresh and citrusy flavor and aroma. It is one of the most essential herb that is people widely use in Asian cuisines. They especially use it in Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian dishes. It is also a popular ingredient in teas, soups, curries, salads, and marinades. Lemongrass has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress.

But did you know that you can grow and harvest your own lemongrass at home? Yes, you can! Lemongrass is easy to grow and maintain, and can thrive in pots, containers, or gardens. You can enjoy fresh and organic lemongrass all year round, and save money and time from buying it at the store.

In this article, I will show you how to harvest lemongrass, and share some tips and tricks for growing and using this versatile herb. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to harvest lemongrass, and how to make the most of this wonderful herb.

So, if that is something that you want to know, I have you covered! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…

How to Grow Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that can add a refreshing and citrusy flavor to your dishes, drinks, and teas.

It is also a beautiful ornamental plant that can brighten up your garden with its tall, graceful stalks and fragrant leaves. Lemongrass is native to tropical regions, but you can grow it in cooler climates as well with some care and preparation.

Here are the steps and conditions for growing lemongrass successfully at home:

1. Choose a healthy lemongrass plant or stalk

You can buy a potted lemongrass plant from a nursery or garden center, or you can start your own from a fresh lemongrass stalk that you can find in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Look for a stalk that is firm, green, and has some roots at the base. Avoid any that are dry, brown, or moldy.

2. Prepare a sunny and warm spot for your lemongrass

Lemongrass loves full sun and heat, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a colder region, you can grow lemongrass in a container that you can move indoors during the winter.

Use a large pot with drainage holes and fill it with rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. You can also add some compost, manure, or leaf mold to improve the soil quality and fertility.

3. Plant your lemongrass in the soil

If you bought a potted plant, simply transplant it to the ground or a larger container, making sure to bury the roots well and leave some space between the stalks.

If you are starting from a stalk, peel off any dead or yellow leaves and trim the top part to about six inches.

Place the stalk in a glass of water and keep it in a sunny windowsill until roots start to grow, which can take a few weeks.

Then, plant the rooted stalk in the soil, leaving about two inches of the stem above the ground. Space the plants about two feet apart to allow them to spread

4. Water and fertilize your lemongrass regularly

Lemongrass needs moist soil to thrive, so water it frequently and deeply, especially during hot and dry periods.

A good rule of thumb is to water it once a week or whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Lemongrass also benefits from a monthly dose of liquid organic fertilizer during the growing season, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. This will help it grow faster and produce more leaves and stalks.

5. Harvest and enjoy your lemongrass

You can start harvesting your lemongrass when the stalks are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground.

Additionally, you can use the whole stalk, or peel off the outer layers and use only the tender inner part. You can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions.

Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.

How to Harvest Lemongrass?

Harvesting lemongrass is a simple and satisfying process that can be done in a few steps. Here are the basics of how to harvest lemongrass:

Choose the right time

The best time to harvest lemongrass is when the stalks are about 12 inches tall and 0.5 inches thick. This usually happens after 3 to 4 months of planting. You can harvest lemongrass throughout the year, as long as the temperature is above 40°F. You can also harvest lemongrass in batches, leaving some stalks to grow and regenerate.

Cut the stalks

To harvest lemongrass, you need a sharp knife or scissors, and a clean cutting board. Cut the stalks at the base, as close to the soil as possible. You can cut as many stalks as you need, or as many as you can use within a week. You can also trim off the leaves, as they are not edible and can be used for other purposes.

Wash and store the stalks

After cutting the stalks, wash them under running water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can store the stalks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, and placed in a plastic bag. They can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the stalks, chopped or whole, in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 6 months.

Dividing Lemongrass: What is It and How to Do It?

Dividing lemongrass is a great way to propagate and maintain this aromatic and flavorful herb. Lemongrass is a perennial plant that grows in clumps of stalks and leaves.

Over time, these clumps can become crowded, woody, and less productive. By dividing lemongrass, you can rejuvenate the plant, increase its yield, and share it with others.

Here are the steps and reasons for dividing lemongrass:

1. When to divide lemongrass?

The best time to divide lemongrass is in the spring, after the last frost date when the plant is actively growing and has new shoots.

You can also divide lemongrass in the fall if you live in a warm winter climate or if you plan to overwinter the divisions indoors.

Avoid dividing lemongrass in the summer, when the heat and drought can stress the plant and reduce its survival rate.

2. How to divide lemongrass?

To divide lemongrass, you must dig up the entire plant and separate it into smaller sections. You can use a shovel, a sharp knife, or your hands to do this.

Each section should have at least one inch of root and several healthy stalks and leaves attached.

You can trim the leaves to about six inches to reduce water loss and make the divisions easier to handle. Discard any old, brown, or damaged parts of the plant.

3. Where to plant lemongrass divisions?

You can plant lemongrass divisions in the same spot where you dug up the parent plant or in a new location with full sun, moist and well-drained soil, and plenty of organic matter.

You can also plant lemongrass divisions in containers at least 10 inches deep with drainage holes. Space the divisions about two feet apart to allow room for growth.

Plant the divisions at the same depth as they were before, with the crown just below the soil surface.

4. How to care for lemongrass divisions?

Lemongrass divisions need regular water and fertilizer to establish and thrive. Water them deeply and frequently, especially during the first few weeks and during hot and dry periods.

You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize the plants once a month with a liquid organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, during the growing season.

Protect the plants from frost in the winter by moving them indoors or covering them with a frost cloth.

5. How to harvest and use lemongrass divisions?

You can start harvesting lemongrass divisions when they are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground. You can use the whole stalk, peel off the outer layers, and use only the tender inner part.

Additionally, you can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions. Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.

How to Use Lemongrass in Food?

Lemongrass has a long, green stalk with a bulbous base and grassy leaves. It has a lemony taste with a hint of mint and ginger. Lemongrass can be used fresh, dried, or powdered, depending on the recipe and preference. Here are some ways related to how to use lemongrass in different ways:

Fresh lemongrass

Firstly, fresh lemongrass is the most aromatic and versatile form of lemongrass. You can find it in the produce section of most supermarkets, Asian markets, or online.

To prepare fresh lemongrass, you need to peel off the tough outer layers and trim off the root end and the top third of the stalk. You can use a sharp knife or scissors to do this. The part that you want to use is the pale and tender lower part of the stalk.

After that, you can slice it thinly, chop it finely, or bruise it with a pestle or the back of a knife. Slicing or chopping is good for salads, stir-fries, curries, and marinades, while bruising is good for soups, stews, and broths.

You can also make a paste by pounding or blending lemongrass with other ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, chilies, and cilantro.

A paste is great for adding flavor to meats, seafood, tofu, and rice. You can store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.

Dried lemongrass

Secondly, dried lemongrass is less potent than fresh lemongrass but still has a nice, lemony flavor. You can buy it in whole or sliced form or dry your lemongrass by hanging the stalks in a warm and airy place until they are brittle.

Dried lemongrass is good for making teas, infusions, and herbal blends. You can also use it to flavor soups, stews, and broths, but you must soak it in hot water for about 20 minutes before adding it to the pot.

Additionally, you can store dried lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Powdered lemongrass

Lastly, powdered lemongrass is the most convenient form of lemongrass, as it does not require any preparation. You can buy it in spice shops, Asian markets, or online.

Powdered lemongrass has a mild and sweet flavor and can be used in baking, desserts, sauces, and dressings. You can also sprinkle it over salads, soups, and stir-fries for a touch of freshness.

The shelf life of powdered lemongrass is also great. For up to six months, you can store powdered lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.

How to Use Lemongrass in Other Things?

Apart from cooking, you can use lemongrass in many other ways. Some of the best and most popular uses of this herb are as follows:

Beautifying

You can use lemongrass to make your own beauty products, such as soap, lotion, or shampoo. You can infuse the stalks or the leaves with oil, such as coconut, olive, or almond oil.

Moreover, you can also add other ingredients, such as honey, aloe vera, or essential oils. You can use the products to cleanse, moisturize, or scent your skin and hair.

Healing

You can use lemongrass to treat various ailments, such as headaches, colds, or infections. You can inhale the steam from boiling the stalks or the leaves, or apply the oil to your temples, chest, or throat.

Additionally, you can also drink the tea, or gargle with the syrup. You can use the products to relieve pain, inflammation, or congestion.

Wrapping It Up!

If you want to know how to harvest lemongrass, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries about the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the bottom of the page. Then leave your suggestions and comments in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

Learn More About:

Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

View all posts

How to Choose a Locksmith in Chicago?

Almost every person has locked himself/herself out of the house at some point in life. In such scenarios, the first thought of individuals is to ask for assistance from a friend or family member. Nevertheless, if nobody can deliver you a set of spare keys to enter the house, the next call you make should be to a local locksmith. If looking for the best locksmith in Chicago, follow the tips below. Check credentials The inceptive thing to do when choosing a locksmith in Chicago is checked their credentials. Illinois is one of the many US states requiring these professionals to be bonded and licensed. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is in charge of issuing such a license after verifying the qualifications of candidates. Candidates are required to be at least eighteen years of age, pass a criminal background history check, pass a licensing exam in theory and practice, and pay the required license application and examination fees. Nevertheless, there are not any requirements associated with having formal training or work experience. Additionally, to register a company, locksmiths in Chicago are supposed to get an agency license. Therefore, when hiring such an expert in Illinois, make sure you start the process by checking the credentials. Apart from providing proof of license, these specialists should also provide any professional certifications they have, which prove their skills and knowledge. Determine the types of services you need Another important consideration when hiring the best locksmith in Chicago is the type of service you need. Not all professionals offer the same service types, as they might specialize in residential, commercial, or auto services. Some providers perform all these services. For instance, most companies provide an installation of mechanic and electronic locks, both at commercial and residential properties. In addition, established locksmiths should offer lock replacement, lock repair, making duplicate keys, changing electronic access cards, etc. In terms of commercial services, they should supply, install, and service high-security commercial locks. Additionally, these experts are expected to fix components of biometric, keyless access control systems. Check out the most common types of door locksets. Check if the provider is indeed local Individuals should be extremely careful when checking whether a locksmith is indeed local as it claims to be. It often happens for some providers to advertise in your local phone book, even though they are not local at all. Some companies outside of Chicago might advertise as local by choosing a business name that is similar to the name of a local provider. Nevertheless, when you call the provided number, you will probably be connected to a call center in another town. Additionally, there will not be a shop at the listed address, meaning the company is a scam. In general, locksmith companies that claim to be local have a large number of separate listings in a telephone book with various names. Nevertheless, all the calls eventually led to the same number in another city. Even if you don’t suspect a scam in the beginning, make sure to ask for identification upon the arrival of the locksmith at your door. Licensed locksmiths are expected to have a Master Security License Number displayed on their photo identity card and vehicle. If the vehicle is unmarked or the worker claims to have forgotten his/her card, you should do no business with this person. Get an estimate Another helpful tip for finding a locksmith in Chicago is requesting a written estimate after the technician reviews the work. These estimates should include two types of fees, service, and hardware fees. The former encompasses transportation fees and any additional charges for emergency service outside standard working hours. For instance, most handymen charge a flat trip fee that covers the time and cost of driving to your home and back to their shop. In contrast, the latter includes any fees related to the hardware. If a locksmith has to replace a lock, the cost of the new lock will be calculated in hardware fees. Follow this link, https://mydecorative.com/four-types-of-locksmith-services/, to see the most sought-after locksmith services. The bottom line Lockout situations and other locksmithing issues require professional assistance. Hire the best professional in Chicago! Read Also: 5 Tips to Safeguard Your Home From Intruders What to Do After an Auto Lockout? How To Find A Locksmith To Trust With Your Home Security, Locks & Keys

5 Summer Garden Maintenance Tips and Tactics You Have To Know

The summer is a season for critical garden maintenance says the best weed removal experts. Otherwise, your lovely plants, flowers, and trees might suffer from disease or be infested by pests if you don’t perform the much-needed maintenance. But no matter what the summer throws your garden, you can keep up provided you know of some maintenance tasks like the following. 5 Summer Garden Maintenance Tips and Tactics You Have To Know If you are not confident of pruning the trees and plants yourself, hire experts that can help you do the same. The best garden maintenance tips from Tree Service Riverside focus on understanding the individual personality and nature of every tree in your garden. This is why you need to be different in terms of fertilizer applications, watering schedules, and other areas. Let us look at some of the major tips below- 1. Ensure Having A Good Soil: You can add organic matter to the soil, but it must be as varied as possible. For example, you can consider adding manure for nitrogen. Manure is valuable because its nutrients are ready for consumption by the soil and plants. You may also want to consider composting, which is the recycling of organic wastes that speed up soil formation. Finally, you may also want to make use of earthworms in the method called vermicomposting. These organisms can convert manure, green crop residues, and food wastes into usable forms for the plants. See that the nutrient balance is correct by running a test to check for soil fertility. For this, you can hire a lawn professional to inspect and evaluate if the soil is balanced with nutrients, including potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. 2. Remove The Weeds: Weeds are real survivors, and they cannot just seem to stop annoying you. Be able to fight dirty by getting rid of them. At the very least, remember not to leave any roots behind, so do not yank only the leaves or they will grow back. Grab them lose to the ground and then pull them straight up. The best time to remove the weeds is after the rain because the ground is still moist. Just a word of caution though. You should be careful walking around in your wet garden, or else the soil will be compact. If there is no rain, you can water the garden before pulling the weeds. Finally, remove them while they’re still small. But if you want to get rid of them effectively, you should consider hiring weed removal experts. Another thing you should be careful to be the weeds and other grass near the garden sheds and make sure they are removed as well. 3. Watering the Garden: Prevent the effects of the summer heat to your plants and flowers. At the very least, you should keep the temperature at 90°F by using a combination of weeding, watering, and shading. Also, one of the golden rules for summer garden maintenance is to keep the soil moist. So if needed, you should water it twice a day. The best time to water the plants is early in the morning when it can easily infiltrate the soil. Another is the late afternoon especially for soil that looks crusty. For maximum water absorption, you must water at the plant’s base. You may also want to put a shade, such as a protective screen in your garden. It can prevent the water from escaping due to evaporation and reduce the surrounding temperature by up to 10 degrees. 4. Pruning: Pruning’s main objective is to get rid of the problem, such as ailing or dead branches. Always make an angled cut, which must be just above but sloping away from a bud above the point where a leaf is attached to a branch. Do not cut close to the bud or it will be damaged and eventually will dry out and die. Also, do not cut too far above a bud because the remaining stub is going to rot away, die, or become an entry point for plant disease. Tips: Inspect the shrubs and trees for any broken or dead branches. You should also look for branches rubbing together because the wounds from those would just expose more surface area that will require more time to heal versus the clean cuts because they become entry points for disease and pests. So as soon as you notice any broken, rubbing, or dead branches, prune them. 5. Remove Dead Plants: Get rid of dead plants regardless of why they died - natural causes, insect damage, or disease. These plants should be eliminated because they can collect pests to spread around your garden to damage other plants. Use them in your compost pile if they’re still safe to use it. Taking care of your garden using these simple and easy maintenance tips will help in keeping your plants, flowers, and trees healthy all summer. Remember to prune, water, remove dead plants, ensure the soil is healthy and hire weed removal experts for the perfect summer garden maintenance. Read Also : 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden Lawn Care Maintenance Services And Tips

Different Types of Conversions to Make the Most of Spare space

In the olden days, when land and construction prices were not as high as this time and age, it was common for people to build large homes, regardless of their needs and requirements. As the time went by, and land became scarce, while the construction prices kept rising, making the most of lesser space and building small yet efficient houses is becoming a norm for people living in metropolitan. Using the available space in a smart and efficient manner is not only an option for people looking to build a house from scratch. Even if you are living in an old home, you can look around and convert some spare area into usable space. Following are some rooms or areas, which are often ignored, and how you can convert them into living space. Loft Conversion: Starting from loft conversions i.e. converting your loft or attic into a living space, but remember that not all lofts or attics can be converted into living rooms. However, majority of homes in the UK and its adjoining areas have the construction style that allows for a loft conversion. You can get your loft surveyed or look out for professional advice to see if you can convert your loft. In case the answer is in yes, you can easily add a bedroom, study area, home office, or recreational room to your home. Loft conversion will cost a little more than simply converting a store or basement into a living space (because it involves quite some construction and installations), however, you will add quite some value from loft conversions to your property, making it worth investing your money. Garage Conversion: Many homes have internal garages, which are seldom used for cars. In case you have an internal garage and you are not regularly using it for car parking, you have got some excellent space to be used for just about any purpose, from kitchen to gaming room, depending on the available space and your budget. Not to forget that internal garage can be an ideal space, if you are looking for a home office, where you will be having visitors every now and then. Basement Conversion: Basements use to be a dark and dingy area that was very rarely used as a living space in the recent past. Now, basements can provide you with ample space, a lot more than what you will be getting from garage or loft conversion. Again, you can use your basement for just about any purpose, in fact more than one purpose, because you can get multiple rooms by converting your basement into living space. Again, it will help if you can get advice from a professional basement conversion professional or a company specializing in basement conversions. Store Room Conversion: Many homes have small rooms or storage space that is used for nothing but keeping useless items (that can very easily be disposed of). True that you need to have some storage space, however, if you are using that room for keeping junk that you don’t see being of any use in near future, you can clear that room and use it for other purposes, especially if you are looking for some small and secluded space to set up a home office or study room. Moving Into New House Conversion: When a family relocate a new place, the most stressed conversation begins where to place the belongings this time you need to look for the plan you have designed while you were planning all your house removals things. It will help in choosing the best approach for placing all the things.