Lemongrass is an unbelievable herb utilized in many recipes, however it may be robust to search out in shops. Some discover the flavour just a little overpowering, particularly in the event that they’re not skilled utilizing it.
Nevertheless, this plant is appropriate for way over simply cooking. Lemongrass companion crops are considered one of their finest makes use of. However what’s companion planting, and why is lemongrass so nice for this previous gardening trick?
Lemongrass Companion Crops
Let’s discuss not solely about why the lemongrass plant is an efficient companion plant however speak about some totally different crops that work nicely with it. However first, let’s study in regards to the artwork of companion planting itself.
What Is Companion Planting?
Alternately referred to as complimentary gardening, this is likely one of the best-kept agricultural secrets and techniques on the market – just because no person ever thinks to ask about it.
Mom Nature loves steadiness, so she gave some crops particular properties to enhance different species round them. Some species have an innate capacity to draw pollinators or useful bugs.
They usually promise a bountiful feast of nectar but produce none. Nevertheless, the pollinators, having been interested in the plant, then discover the various different crops close by that really do have nectar and might need gone unnoticed in any other case.
One other function of many crops, similar to alliums, marigolds, and a number of other widespread kitchen herbs, is a robust scent that people may not discover however that pests hate.
These crops thrust back all kinds of pests, from aphids and ants to deer and rabbits. When surrounded by these repellent crops, undesirable backyard friends usually ignore even the tastiest snacks.
Lastly, some crops produce chemical substances that work their approach into the soil. For instance, black walnut releases a chemical that may kill many crops, but some species are immune.
This permits appropriate crops to thrive with out the chance of being choked out by weeds.
Different crops, similar to sure alliums, launch chemical substances that may truly enhance the expansion of sure species or enhance the flavour of some manufacturing crops.
Most significantly, companion planting makes use of crops with totally different root depths and comparable wants to make sure way more dense backyard areas than usually attainable.
This pinnacle was featured in an previous Mom Earth Information Almanac, which defined the right way to develop a loaf of bread in a single sq. acre with out ever needing to weed or use pesticides.
Actually, each plant added one thing to the combination.
Advantages Of Lemongrass
So now that we’ve mentioned companion planting, what are the useful qualities of lemongrass itself?
Lemongrass has a robust citrus taste and scent (therefore the title) that insect pests completely hate.
It additionally incorporates citral and geranyl acetate, insect-repelling compounds that may simply compete with many business repellents.
Not solely can lemongrass repel many widespread plant pests, similar to aphids and mealybugs, and trigger ants to present it a large berth (it overwhelms the scent of their chemical trails), however it could actually additionally chase off fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
The Draw back Of Lemongrass
It needs to be famous that lemongrass is likely one of the many crops which might be poisonous to pets.
Canine can turn into sick after consuming lemongrass and severely sick in the event that they devour concentrated lemongrass oil.
Even worse, lemongrass consumption can show deadly for cats.
Please preserve this in thoughts when planting a backyard to which your pets have quick access.
One other factor to bear in mind is that lemongrass isn’t proof against mites.
This implies it could actually simply turn into infested with spider mites if uncovered. Nonetheless, it additionally means you may introduce predatory mites into your backyard utilizing lemongrass with out chasing them off.
5 Nice Companions For Lemongrass
There are numerous crops that may profit from having lemongrass close by.
Some growers like to stay to different herbs and spices, whereas others mix it with crops susceptible to infestation to scale back the necessity for pesticides.
Listed here are a number of edible crops that are inclined to work particularly nicely with lemongrass:
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Also referred to as coneflowers, the ten species of echinacea add numerous magnificence to your backyard whereas additionally being a well-liked herb for teas.
The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) makes for an particularly placing accent to lemongrass’s vibrant leaves.
Extra importantly, two species are at present endangered, so rising them with lemongrass offers you a stunning show and saves nature!
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia Citrodora)
That is one other culinary herb that provides off an exquisite citrus scent.
When planted with lemongrass, the 2 turn into a stable barrier in opposition to mosquitoes whereas filling your backyard or patio with that great lemon scent.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are wonderful companion crops and are sometimes thought-about the right newbie plant.
They’ll repel many widespread pests whereas attracting pollinators and different useful bugs – together with predator species similar to ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
When paired with lemongrass, you received’t need to worry spider mites attacking the lemongrass, and your total backyard will probably be much more protected and delightful.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint has numerous great qualities:
- They’re enticing.
- You’ll be able to chew the leaves or use them for flavoring.
- They repel all kinds of pests.
Peppermint and spearmint are probably the most generally grown, and when you plant totally different species shut collectively, you’ll usually find yourself with hybrids the next 12 months.
When paired with lemongrass, you may make your backyard virtually impenetrable for widespread pests whereas giving your self some wonderful tea crops that style nice when steeped collectively.
Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Not all members of this genus are used within the kitchen, however all of them are wonderful companions for lemongrass.
These wiry, normally evergreen crops bear tiny flowers, creating a stunning show paired with the spikier, lighter-leaf lemongrass.
Much more vital, thyme has comparable pest-repelling properties and sometimes has its personal nice scent, making the backyard much more great to go to.
Different Nice Lemongrass Companions
We might go on for days in regards to the many crops that work nicely with lemongrass, particularly flowers. Mainly, if a flowering plant has comparable care wants, it can profit from being close to lemongrass.
Within the meantime, we depart you with a listing of crops you is likely to be rising in an herb or produce in a backyard extremely appropriate with lemongrass.
- Basil
- Bee Balm
- Cilantro
- Ginger
- Goji Berries
- Hops
- Lavender
- Lime
- Mint
- Peppers
- Sage
- St. John’s Wort
- Candy Pepper
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes