How to Manage Lemon Balm’s Growth: Tips and Tricks

Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a delightful garden herb that can quickly take over if left unchecked. If you’re thinking about adding this aromatic herb to your garden, it’s essential to be aware of its spreading tendencies. But don’t let that deter you – with a few simple steps, you can keep lemon balm under control and enjoy its many benefits without it dominating your space.

In this guide, I’ll share valuable tips on preventing a lemon balm takeover and managing its growth effectively. From proactive prevention strategies to remediation measures, I’ll cover everything you need to know to cultivate this herb successfully in your garden.

What You’ll Learn

• Proactive Prevention
• Container Garden
• Mulch
• Divide
• Prune Regularly
• Remediation Measures
• Weed Out
• Dig Up

Proactive Prevention

By taking proactive measures, you can avoid dealing with an overgrowth of lemon balm in the future. This herb spreads through seed and runners, but with the following strategies, you can keep it in check.

Container Garden

Growing lemon balm in a container is an effective way to prevent it from spreading through runners. While this method doesn’t entirely eliminate the risk of self-seeding, it can contain the plant’s growth and prevent it from invading other areas of your garden.

Consider using spacious containers like Gardener’s Best Universal Grow Bags, which are not only affordable but also easy to move around your patio or garden.

Mulch

Applying a thick layer of mulch around your lemon balm plants can help prevent seed germination in unwanted areas. While mulch may not entirely stop runners from growing through, it can significantly reduce the spread of this herb.

Remember to mulch before the wet season, laying at least one to two inches of mulch one foot away from the plant’s crown. As the mulch breaks down, it nourishes the soil, so be sure to replenish it every few years.

Divide

Dividing and transplanting lemon balm is a simple yet effective way to manage its growth. In late winter or early spring, carefully uproot the herb and divide it into smaller sections with healthy stems and root systems. Replant each section in well-draining soil and water thoroughly after planting.

Prioritize the timing of division to allow the plants to establish themselves before the hot summer months. If you can’t divide them in time, consider growing them in containers for easier management.

Prune Regularly

Trimming off the flowers before they turn into seeds is essential for controlling lemon balm’s growth. You can prune the herb back entirely, and it will produce new, lush leaf growth. Consider drying the cuttings for later use in infusions or to freshen indoor spaces with their lemony scent.

Remediation Measures

If your lemon balm has already started to spread uncontrollably, it’s time to take remediation measures to manage its growth effectively.

Weed Out

In early spring, keep an eye out for baby lemon balm plants that have started from seed. If the soil is moist and the plants are not growing from runners, they are easy to uproot by hand. Use gloves that provide a close grip to pull up all the roots effectively.

Dig Up

For larger plants that have taken up more space than you intended, consider digging them up with the help of garden tools like a shovel or a perennial fork. Loosen the soil around the plant, trim back the leaves, and lift it out carefully. If you want to transplant some portions, do so gently to avoid damaging the root system.

When Life Gives You Lemon Balm…

Dealing with the rapid growth of lemon balm can be a rewarding challenge for gardeners. Don’t be intimidated by its vigor – instead, let it inspire you to create a thriving garden where this herb can flourish. With the tips shared in this guide, you can successfully manage lemon balm’s growth and enjoy its many benefits.

Share your experiences and questions in the comments below, and stay tuned for more informative guides on growing herbs in your garden.

To learn more about cultivating herbs, check out these resources:
– Tips for Growing Lemon Balm Indoors
– How to Start Your Own Herb Garden
– Tasty Turf: Tips for Using Culinary Herbs as Ground Cover

Remember, with the right strategies in place, you can control lemon balm and prevent it from taking over your garden. Happy gardening!