Lemon Balm Garden Herb Growing Guide

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a vibrant, lemon-scented perennial herb with a multitude of uses in the kitchen and around the house. Rather undemanding, lemon balm will grow comfortably is a variety of settings including herb gardens, containers, or indoors on a well lit window seal or under artificial lighting. This Lemon Balm growing guide covers every aspect needed for a successful planting of this wonderful herb.

Why Grow Lemon Balm?

· The lemony leaves of this mint family member can be used fresh or dried in teas, candies, salads, and make for great additions to chicken and fish marinades. Lemon balm leaves are so unique that you'll want to work them into every recipe!

· The leaves can also be harvested and used for the production of soaps, creams and aromatherapy oils. Traditionally, lemon balm is known as a "calming herb" and has many different therapeutic uses.

· Lemon balm is easy to grow! This fact allows gardeners in zones 4-9 to plant lemon balm once, and reap the benefits for years to come. For those who don't have access to a garden, lemon balm will easily adapt to any size container to fit apartment gardens or hydroponic systems.

· Lemon balm can be grown in the shade. It will require a strong amount of indirect sunlight, but lemon balm can claim shaded territories where most herbs would not dare to grow. This allows you to take full advantage of your growing area! * Take note that Lemon Balm growing in shadier conditions will not grow as fast as a lemon balm growing in full sun.

How to Grow Lemon Balm:

1. For a start on the spring season, start seeds indoors. Seeds can be started in small plastic cups filled with seedling mix or organic potting soil. Sow the seeds 1/4" deep, keeping the soil warm and moist.

2. Once the dangers of frost have passed, transplant lemon balm to the garden. Once established in the garden, lemon balm will come back year after year. For indoor or container growers, transplant seedlings when they have rooted out of the seedling container.

3. While in its final spot or container, lemon balm requires very little care. Water as needed, making sure not to overwater. Lemon balm likes moist but not saturated soil conditions. This perennial herb will also greatly appreciate a drink of compost tea or any nitrogen rich fertilizer every couple of weeks, but it’s not required.

4. Keep in mind that lemon balm will do best in a well aerated soil with good drainage qualities. I would suggest a soil along the lines of an organic potting soil with perlite soil amendment.

Keep it simple and keep it fresh! Try some lemon balm in your garden today!