During the winter, we love the time we get to stay in bed, covered with a comfy blanket, reading, or watching our favorite series. Yet, as soon as the spring arrives, we all want to spend our spare time in nature!
During the spring and summer, families often organize trips to the nearest mountain, beach, or just enjoy the warm weather in the yard.
And yes.. things would have been perfect if mosquitoes didn’t bother us!
These insects then become our worst enemies! Well, there is a popular saying, “know your enemy”, and we are here to help you! Namely, mosquitoes detest citronella!
Apart from having soothing and relaxing properties, lemongrass can be your most potent weapon against mosquitoes,
and it can be grown at home! Lemongrass is commonly used in Thai cuisine. Its taste and smell resemble the ones of lemon but it also has a pleasing, unique pungency.
The edible part of the plant is small in comparison to the green, grassy plumes. The bottoms can only grow up to foot and a half tall, and although it is a flower, it rarely blooms.
Lemongrass has potent anti-inflammatory, sedative, and anti-fungal properties. This beneficial plant contains citronellal, terpinolene, and myrcene.
This plant is rich in antioxidants, so it detoxifies the body and is an excellent diuretic. Also, it can lower cholesterol levels, and the essential oil can fight infections.
If you grow citronella indoors, on the balcony or patio, it’s pretty, bluish hue and full bushy strands will add a touch of color to the entire place.
It can be easily grown from seeds. Just sow the lemongrass seeds in the soil, and leave them to germinate from January to March. The perfect temperature is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the soil moist but not wet, and within 20-4- days, the seeds will start sprouting.
Place the lemongrass in a warm place, but not directly exposed to sunlight. When the seeds have sprouted, plant it in cups until they reach reasonable growth, and replant them in pots later.
If you live in the north, place it in a place where it won’t be directly exposed to the harsh weather, as lemongrass doesn’t respond well to ice and cold weather outside. Reduce the watering during the winter.
When the thicker shoots appear, the lemongrass is ready to use. This might take several years. Trim any low-growing stems to keep the plant full in the fall.
Lemongrass can be used in various ways, and whichever way you choose, it will surely impress you!
You can dry the leaves and prepare tea, add the tender yellow shoots for cooking, or apply the essential oils to soothe joint and muscle pain, as well as headaches.
Moreover, the essential oil will help you treat anxiety and lower stress.
To reap its benefits, start the day with a cup of lemongrass tea in the morning, and add chopped lemongrass to seafood, chicken, or fish. Yummy!
And yes- the plant can keep those boring mosquitoes at bay! To protect the entire home from mosquitoes, you can place nets on the windows.
Yet, you can make the outdoor space safer by placing several pots of lemongrass outside the windows, on the patio, or porch as well.
Sources: gardeningsoul.com
