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Imagine sitting outside with friends and family during a warm, balmy evening, when all of a sudden your enjoyment is interrupted by uninvited wasps.
What had started as a peaceful gathering suddenly turns into a frenzied battle against the pests, who dont have any sense of what is socially acceptable.
If this sounds familiar, and you’re fed up with wasps invading your outside space in the summer, snacking at your food, and sipping your sugary drinks, there are natural methods you can follow to get rid of wasps to stop you heading back indoors.
Rather than using sprays and unnatural baits that can harm the pests, you can employ this natural method, which offers benefits beyond deterring wasps.
While wasps drive us to distraction, Liam Cleary, outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, says there is one common garden plant that will stop the pests spoiling our fun, and it will also save you from spending out on expensive pest control.
According to Clearly, planting lavender is a simple and affordable solution that looks great and keeps wasps from hanging around your garden. “Wasps are highly sensitive to strong scents, and lavender is one they really don’t like. Planting it near seating areas, doorways, or patios can help mask the smells that attract them, like food, sugary drinks, or perfumes,” he says.
Lavender is also the perfect plant for dry conditions, as its drought-resistant and can tolerate hot, dry summers that we’re currently experiencing.Sign up to get the BEST of Toms Guide direct to your inbox.
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Growing lemongrass from seeds can be an extremely rewarding experience for any gardener. With its refreshing citrus flavor and fragrance, homegrown lemongrass adds so much to soups, curries, marinades and more. The ornamental grass also looks beautiful in the garden.
Starting lemongrass seeds indoors gives you greater control over the germination process and allows you to transplant larger, healthier seedlings outside later on. But timing is key when it comes to lemongrass. Follow this complete guide to learn exactly when and how to start lemongrass seeds indoors for success.
Why Start Lemongrass Seeds Indoors?
There are several advantages to starting lemongrass seeds indoors rather than direct sowing them outside
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You can provide consistent moisture and ideal germination temperatures around 70°F. Lemongrass seeds need warmth to sprout well.
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Indoor seedlings are protected from threats like heavy rain, wind, animals and insects. Less seeds are lost.
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Getting a head start indoors allows for transplanting bigger, stronger seedlings outdoors later on.
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You have more control over factors like sunlight exposure and hardening off before going outside
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There is less wasted seed compared to direct sowing. Indoor seedlings can be properly spaced and thinned.
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Weed control and maintenance are much easier with containerized transplants ready for the garden.
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No special tools are needed. A sunny window, grow light or heating mat enables growing lemongrass anywhere.
When to Start Lemongrass Seeds Indoors
The timing of seed starting depends on your growing zone. Lemongrass thrives in summer heat so you want transplants ready after temperatures warm up and the threat of frost has passed.
For Zones 3-7:
Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before your average last spring frost date.
For Zones 8-11:
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your average final spring frost.
You can also direct sow lemongrass seeds outside approximately 3-4 weeks before your expected last frost date.
Check local frost dates and plant hardiness zone maps to determine your ideal seed starting timeline.
How to Plant Lemongrass Seeds Indoors
Planting lemongrass seeds inside is simple. Just follow these steps:
Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need small containers, seed starting mix, a tray or dome, labels, and a spray bottle for misting. A seedling heat mat can provide 70°F soil warmth. Grow lights are useful once sprouted.
Fill Containers
Use cell packs, flats, peat pots or other small containers with drainage holes. Gently firm moistened seed starting mix into the containers.
Sow the Seeds
Sow seeds 1/16 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Lemongrass needs light exposure to germinate.
Mist, Cover and Warm
Lightly mist the planted seeds, cover trays, and place on heat mats set to 70-80°F.
Remove Covers
Once seedlings appear, move trays to grow lights and remove any domes or plastic covering.
Thin Seedlings
Allow the strongest seedling per cell or container to remain once the 2nd set of leaves appears.
Transplant in 4-6 Weeks
Slowly harden off seedlings then transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Caring for Lemongrass Seedlings
Proper care at the seedling stage is crucial:
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Provide 14-16 hours of daily light with grow lights or sunny windows.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated to prevent damping off disease.
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Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertilizer once sprouted.
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Ensure good air circulation once any domes or plastic are removed.
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Maintain warm soil temperatures around 70°F until sprouted.
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Stake tall, leggy seedlings for support if necessary.
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Gradually harden off seedlings over 7-10 days before going outside.
Transplanting Lemongrass Seedlings Outdoors
Here are some tips for successfully moving lemongrass seedlings into the garden:
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days first. Slowly introduce to outdoor conditions.
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Transplant outside after all chance of frost has passed and soil reaches at least 65°F.
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Space plants 12-24 inches apart in a sunny location. Mature lemongrass reaches 2-4 feet wide.
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Choose a site with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.
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Water transplants daily the first week, then allow soil to slightly dry out between waterings.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season.
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Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Ongoing Care for Lemongrass Plants
Here are some tips for keeping your lemongrass looking its best:
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Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with organic plant food.
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Remove any dead leaves or spent stalks promptly.
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Harvest stalks for culinary use when they reach 1⁄2 inch diameter at the base.
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In fall, prune stalks back to 6 inches, dig up roots and overwinter indoors.
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Mulch plants in zones 9-11 in fall for extra frost protection.
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Start seeds again 8-12 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
Troubleshooting Common Lemongrass Problems
Follow these tips to avoid potential issues with lemongrass:
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Start more seeds than needed in case of spotty germination rates.
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Don’t let seeds dry out during germination. They need consistent moisture.
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Use a heat mat to ensure warm enough soil temperatures.
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Prioritize air circulation once seedlings sprout. Remove domes promptly.
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Pinch off top growth to encourage bushier, more compact plants.
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Harvest stalks when 1⁄2 inch wide at the base for the best flavor.
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In cooler climates, overwinter plants in pots near sunny windows.
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Mist leaves often to maintain the preferred 40-60% humidity range.
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Divide overcrowded clumps in spring to rejuvenate plants.
The Reward of Growing Lemongrass
Now you know exactly when and how to successfully start lemongrass seeds indoors. Homegrown lemongrass simply can’t be matched in terms of flavor, fragrance and cost. With proper planning, you can enjoy fresh lemongrass from your garden year after year. Get your seeds planted on schedule for your best harvest yet!
Why lavender makes a good wasp deterrent
Lavender contains essential oils such as linalool and camphor, which give it its distinctive floral scent. While it’s pleasant to humans — and pollinators like bees and butterflies — it’s overwhelming to wasps, which rely heavily on scent to detect food.
What’s more, lavender is also one of the scents that repels mosquitoes and keeps them out of your home — it’s a multi-tasking pest deterrent.
Apart from its capacity to repel wasps, lavender is also one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. I have several lavender bushes in my backyard, which are planted in pots and flowerbeds, planted singularly and grouped together to form low hedging.
What’s more, lavender is an inexpensive plant to buy, and if you’re not looking for an instant result, you can grow it from seed. A packet of English Lavender seeds from PowerGrow Systems costs $2 at Amazon. Alternatively, you can purchase a 4-pack of lavender at Amazon for $24.
Cleary is a fan, and says, “It’s low maintenance, smells incredible, and keeps your garden feeling calm, all while helping you enjoy a wasp-free zone.”
How to help your lavender thrive
Lavender will do best if grown in certain conditions, so to help it stay healthy and thrive, Cleary recommends following these four expert tips.
1. Choose a sunny spot
Lavender loves full sun and well-drained soil, so avoid shaded or damp areas. 2. Go for pots or raised planters
These make it easier to move the plants where needed, and work brilliantly on patios or balconies.
3. Don’t overwater
Lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers slightly dry conditions. Overwatering can cause it to wilt or rot.
4. Pair it with other natural deterrents
If you’re prone to wasp visits, try planting lavender alongside mint, thyme, or lemongrass for an extra layer of protection.
How to grow LEMONGRASS from seed to sprout | How to encourage lemongrass seed to germinate quicker
FAQ
When to start lemon grass seeds indoors?
To plant: Plant lemongrass seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart and begin them inside up to three weeks befor`e the last frost date.
Does lemongrass come back each year?
Does lemongrass need to be brought inside for winter?
Prior to the first frost, move the plants indoors to an area of bright light for lemongrass winter care. Continue to water as needed, but reduce fertilizer during these cool months until it’s time to take the plants outdoors again in the spring.