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Go green with baking soda

People from all walks of life are tightening their belts this year and trying to save a buck wherever they can. Learning new ways of doing things around the garden and home, in order to save money, need not be a painful procedure, its rather fascinating and a quite a lot of fun too.  In fact, many of these practices are not new at all and were used effectively by families for generations, before our rushed modern lifestyles made it simply more convenient for us to buy ready to use products. Learning these old methods again will not only save you lots of cash but can also help you to eliminate dangerous chemical and toxins from your home and garden, so here’s to good health as well!

If you want to “go green” baking soda is your number one ingredient, besides vinegar, for your daily green household and garden kit. Baking soda has been used as an effective and inexpensive anti-fungal agent for generations; and many gardeners still truly believe that baking soda's anti-fungal properties are as good as store bought chemicals. Because it has a multitude of uses; from sweetening your tomatoes and battling powdery mildew, to simply removing odours from your refrigerator, or the smell of onion and garlic from your hands; once you have tried it in your garden and home, you will always use baking soda.

What is baking soda?

Baking Soda is also called Bicarbonate of Soda, and is the same ingredient. Baking powder however contains sodium bicarbonate, but it includes the acidifying agent, cream of tartar, and also a drying agent (usually starch).Make sure you don't use baking powder in your recipes.

The uses for baking soda listed below merely scratch the surface, and there are many more applications for this miraculous white powder, from a wide range of health and beauty products which can easily be made at home; like an inexpensive yet most effective deodorant, teeth whitener, facial and body scrub etc.; so do your own research to find all the ways you could use it.

Using Baking Soda in the Garden

Make non-toxic fungicide sprays for the garden

Baking soda, has long been touted as an effective and safe fungicide for the treatment of powdery mildew and several other fungal diseases. Recent studies confuse the efficiency of using this common household item, because they show that although the compound seems to prevent some fungal spore flare ups, it doesn’t actually kill existing spores. Because it can prevent fungal spore flare ups, published findings from across the globe show that baking soda did have a beneficial effect in reducing spores on plants.

So, is baking soda good for plants and is it really the miracle cure for those mildew beleaguered plants? Roses, baby marrow (zucchini), tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkin, melons, cabbage, cucumbers, squash, flowers and even fruit trees can be killed or damaged by blight or powdery mildew. Fungal diseases thrive in warm, moist and humid conditions; so when conditions are ideal for these diseases, it is wise to implement a weekly preventative spraying programme. Spray every 3 to 4 days if infection is noticed.  If not treated in time, baking soda may not halt fungal attacks on plants, but it will certainly help to slow the advance of the disease and prevent its outbreak to other plants. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, and regular applications during spring and summer can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases, so go for it!

The only concern for gardeners when using sodium bicarbonate is the first part of the compound, sodium. Sodium can burn leaves, roots and other plant parts. The safest concentration of baking soda is a 1 percent solution. The remainder of the solution can be water, but coverage on the leaves and stems is better if a small quantity of dishwashing liquid, horticultural oil or soap is added to the mixture. Foliar burn appears as brown or yellow patches at the end of the leaves and can be minimized by thorough dilution of the product. Keep in mind the solution is water soluble, so apply on a dry cloudy day for best results. In addition, it is important that a home mixture never be applied to any plant in the heat of a hot or brightly sunny day, as this can also lead to burning of the plant.

BEFORE USING ANY HOMEMADE MIX:

Just like you test beauty products on a small piece of skin first, and especially if you have sensitive skin, you should also test a home mix on a small portion of your garden plants first to make sure that it will not do any harm. Most plants are tough and hardly any spray affects them adversely, while others are more sensitive to sprays. Leave for 24 hours before spraying the entire plant. Also, avoid using any bleach-based soaps or detergents on plants since this can be harmful to them.

Make a non-toxic fungicide for powdery mildew and black spot fungus:

Mix 2 teaspoons (10ml) of baking soda into 2 litres of water. Agitate until all the baking soda is dissolved into the water. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing to the spray mixture before applying. Spray on roses every ten days to prevent and treat black spot disease.

Baking soda can be used on many garden plants, but remember to always test the mixture on a few leaves first to check for symptoms of burning.

Baking soda kills moss

Baking Soda isn’t harmful to the rest of your lawn and plants. It will cause lawn moss to turn brown and die within a week. Sprinkle baking soda directly on the lawn moss, either right out of the container or out of a shaker. Make your own shaker by making small holes directly into the baking soda box.

Slugs

Get rid of slugs by lightly pouring baking soda on them.

Sweeten your tomatoes

To sweeten your tomatoes and to discourage pests, sprinkle baking soda lightly on the soil around the plants and water it in. The lower the acid level is in the soil, the sweeter your tomatoes will be.

For flowers which enjoy an alkaline soil 

Flowers which enjoy an alkaline soil like pink hydrangeas, geraniums and begonias produce magnificent blooms if watered with a weak solution of baking soda and water (about 4 tablespoons to 10 litres of water)

Check the pH of your soil

Check the pH of your soil before you plant your garden. Put a scoop of soil in a small container and wet it with some distilled water and then sprinkle baking soda on top of it. If the baking soda bubbles, you have acidic soil with a pH level that is probably lower than 5.

Ants

Stop ants at the source by adding baking soda to ant hill’s when they are damp. Half hour later, add a small amount of vinegar to the hill.

Cabbage worms

Kill cabbage worms, which also attack broccoli and kale, by combining equal quantities of flour and baking soda together and dusting it onto the plants. To easily dust plants with dry ingredients, fill a tightly woven cloth or ladies stocking with the mixture and tie before gently shaking the ingredients directly onto the plant. The worms will usually die within a day or so after munching the leaves. Repeat as needed.

Garden Seeds

Keep your precious garden seeds dry by putting some baking soda in an envelope and placing it in your seed box.

Weeds

Discourage weeds by pouring or sweeping baking soda in a thick layer into cracks on a sidewalk or patio. The baking soda should kill any small weeds already sprouted and prevent new ones from coming up.

Smelly compost heaps

To prevent a compost heap from becoming smelly, use baking soda right out of the box on the compost pile. This helps prevent acidity from building up.

Easily remove pesky price tags

Easily remove pesky price tags or manufactures labels from garden pots and garden decorations by mixing 1/3 cup baking soda and 2/3 cup of vegetable oil. Brush onto label and wait for a couple of minutes, before peeling or gently scraping it off.

Clean greasy braai grills

Clean greasy braai grills by using a brush to apply baking soda mixed with a little water to form a paste. Allow it to set for about 15 minutes, before wiping clean, any remaining residue will burn away if the grill is placed on top of an open flame for a few minutes, before adding food.

Clean bird baths and clay pots

Clean bird baths and clay pots without toxic chemicals. Dust the surface with baking soda and use a brush or damp cloth to get rid of dirt and then rinse with water.

Clean your hands

After a day in the garden by scrubbing your wet hands with baking soda.

Using Baking Soda in the Home

Get rid of moss and fungal stains

Completely get rid of moss and fungal stains in the home by mixing baking soda and vinegar together to make a thick scrubbing paste. This paste is especially great to clean showers and bathrooms.

Dry-clean the dog

Dry-clean the dog by rubbing baking soda into the fur, then combing it out. This cleans and deodorizes when there's no time for a bath.

Deodorize pet bedding

Deodorize pet bedding by sprinkling baking soda over surface (only if dry). Let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum or shake out thoroughly.

Clean small animal cages

Clean small animal cages by wiping all surfaces with baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge. Rinse and dry.

Deodorize a mattress

Deodorize a mattress after an accident by blotting the wet mattress with towel. Then sprinkle baking soda on damp part. Allow to dry, then vacuum.

Extinguish stove fires

Turn off burner or broiler and toss handfuls of baking soda on the flames.

Soak dried beans

Soak dried beans in a baking soda solution to make them more digestible.

Remove difficult laundry stains

Remove difficult laundry stains by adding ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda, together with the amount of detergent you would usually use for a single load of washing.  It will greatly boost your detergents cleaning and whitening power, and is especially good for rings around collars armpit stains.

Extend the life of cut flowers

Extend the life of your cut flowers by adding a pinch of baking soda to the water.

Sanitize cutting boards

Sanitize your cutting boards by smearing baking soda across the entire surface of the cutting board and then dousing it with vinegar. Once the foam subsides, rinse it off with hot water.

Make a homemade scouring powder

Make a homemade scouring powder for cleaning surfaces, pots, pans etc. by mixing the following ingredients together and storing them in an airtight container:  1 cup baking soda, 1 cup borax and 1 cup salt.

Remove the odour of garlic or onions from your hands

Remove the odour of garlic or onions from your hands by rubbing them with a sprinkling of baking soda and a little water to make a paste, scrub before rinsing clean.

Clean fruits and vegetables

Clean fruits and vegetables by adding 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a drop of dish soap to two litres of water.  Soak for a couple of minutes before rinsing with clean water.

Clean mineral deposits from appliances

Clean mineral deposits from kettles, teapots and coffee pots by boiling 4 tablespoons of baking soda in them for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Remove odours from your refrigerator

Remove odours from your refrigerator by leaving a small open container filled with baking soda inside. For fresh crisper drawers, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and cover with a paper towel before packing your vegetables as usual.  Add fresh powder every 2 months or so, or after cleaning.

Clean your microwave

Clean your microwave with a little baking soda and warm water.

Buy baking soda in bulk for extra savings, and don’t throw away expired baking soda. It may not be good for baking, but will still be fine for household and garden use.

I hope you enjoyed these baking soda tips and trust that they will come in handy; saving you a ton of money, and well as going a long way to helping you live a much greener life.

Lioness 'GrandiRosa' Picture courtesy www.ludwigsroses.co.za“Lioness GrandiRosa” is a new category of rose. The name GrandiRosa indicates that this is the first of its kind, being extremely strong growing, and disease-resistant rose. Its breeding line contains two of South Africa’s most popular roses; ‘Esther Geldenhuys’ and ‘South Africa’.

A lioness conveys the image of sleek power and so does this first variety in our GrandiRosa range. Expect Lioness GrandiRosa to grow to a formidable free standing shrub which can grow to a height of 3m, but is neatly upright, and clothed with huge, light green leaves. The strong stems that sprout continuously from all levels of this stately plant carry huge clusters of big, full blooms in the colouring of a lioness, and which are moderately fragrant.

It is a great security plant and wonderful to hide walls, as a screen on fences, or as a single, statement making specimen. Obviously, this very tough rose needs to be planted in a big, wide hole as one would plant a big tree.

It is listed as an 'Eco Chic' Ludwigs Rose, and these roses combine healthy green leaves with colourful beauty! These are rose varieties that perform without having to be sprayed. Fungus diseases cause defoliation. Eco Chic roses have a genetic disease resistance and are thus perfect plants for people with busy lifestyles.

See under medium-sized plants

See under medium-sized plants

Heteromorpha arborescens Picture courtesy www.wildflowernursery.co.za Condensed Version:

The parsley tree is deciduous, fast growing and drought-resistant, with striking bark and a graceful shape; making it an attractive garden tree for all seasons. It is a small to medium-sized and varies in height between 3 to 7m tall with a 3 to 5m spread. It usually produces a single stem which becomes crooked with age; but can also be multi-stemmed. The single trunk usually divides into only a few large branches, to form an irregular-shaped, delicate canopy. Its characteristic bark is papery and peels in rings, exposing the gorgeous, shiny, smooth and waxy, golden-brown under-bark. The soft, droopy leaves are light green to grey-green and usually have a strong herb-like smell when crushed. Depending on climate, the leaves may turn yellow and red before falling in autumn. 

Anytime from January to April conspicuous greenish-white to yellow flowers appear well above the leaves, forming a round spray about 50mm in diameter and resembling a huge powder-puff. The flowers are strong-smelling, to attract insect pollinators. The fruits are also carried in bunches, consisting of small three-winged, oval capsules that turn cream-brown when ripe.

Because it is fast growing with striking bark and a graceful shape, the parsley tree makes an attractive and unusual garden tree for all seasons. It does not have destructive roots, making it suitable for both small and large properties, and great for low maintenance and water-wise gardens. Once established, the plants are also frost resistant, making them ideal for inland gardens. Try to position this tree where its beautiful bark can be seen to best effect. It also looks wonderful if planted in groups to form a shady grove; and is an interesting and good container plant for a courtyard or patio. The branches will provide roosting and nesting sites for birds, and when in bloom, insect-eating birds will forage in the flowers.

The parsley tree is low-maintenance and most versatile in the garden because it does not have invasive roots and can be planted in full sun or shade. It also tolerates drought and is very frost hardy once established, thriving not only at the coast, but also in cold inland gardens. Young trees will need to be covered and their roots mulched in winter. Although it varies greatly in size and shape in the wild, and can sometimes look like a scraggly shrub more than a tree, in the garden, if it is planted in good, well-drained soil and is watered moderately during seasonal dry periods, it will grow very quickly (up to 2m per year). Feeding occasionally with an organic fertiliser and mulching the roots with compost will also go a long way to keep it looking at its best in the garden.

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The parsley tree belongs to the very large carrot family (Apiaceae) which includes aniseed, caraway, carrots, celery and parsley, just to mention a few. This family is spread throughout the temperate regions of the world and has played a significant role in the lives of humans for thousands of years because of their food and medicinal value.  The proper name for the parsley tree “Heteromorpha” refers to the Greek and means “different forms”, and was given because of the extremely variable growth habit of this plant over its vast range on the African continent and its diverse climatic regions.

For example, in protected areas with good rainfall it will grow much larger than it will in more exposed positions and in hotter, dryer habitats. Another curiosity of this tree is that it may produce either simple or compound leaves, which can also vary greatly in size and shape. For example, in the Cape many wild parsley trees have simple leaves, while those to the north tend to have pinnate leaves with three, five or seven leaflets. The fruits are also made up of two unequal parts, so as you can see, this tree truly has earned its which means “different forms”. The species name “arborescens” refers to its tree-like habit.

Its natural distribution extends right through eastern Africa to Ethiopia and into the Yemen; and although it is found in the Western Cape, the parsley tree is more prolific and widespread in the eastern regions of South Africa; from the Eastern Cape all the way up into Kwazulu-Natal; including the eastern Free State and extreme eastern regions of Botswana; Lesotho; Swaziland; Gauteng; Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This tree usually grows as a solitary singe specimen and is found in a wide range of altitudes. It is commonly found growing in sheltered, rocky areas, on the south and east-facing slopes of hills, as well as in wooded ravines and gorges, where it is often found growing together with other vegetation alongside rivers and streams. It also occurs on forest margins and in savannah-bushveld, savannah-woodland and grasslands.

The parsley tree is deciduous, fast growing and drought-resistant, with striking bark and a graceful shape; making it an attractive garden tree for all seasons. It is a small to medium-sized and varies in height between 3 to 7m tall with a 3 to 5m spread. It usually produces a single stem which becomes crooked with age; but can also be multi-stemmed. The single trunk usually divides into only a few large branches, to form an irregular-shaped, delicate canopy. Its characteristic bark is papery and peels in rings, exposing the gorgeous, shiny, smooth and waxy, golden-brown under-bark.

The soft, droopy leaves are light green to grey-green, and move easily in even the slightest breeze; and usually have a strong herb-like smell when crushed, somewhat similar to parsley and parsnips. Depending on climate, the leaves may turn yellow and red before falling in autumn. Anytime from January to April conspicuous greenish-white to yellow flowers appear well above the leaves, forming a round spray about 50mm in diameter and resembling a huge powder-puff. The flowers are strong-smelling, to attract insect pollinators. The fruits are also carried in bunches, consisting of small three-winged, oval capsules that turn cream-brown when ripe.

Uses:

Traditionally the tree was believed to have magical properties, particularly as a charm against lightning; and is planted with charm intent in every “lekhotla” (meeting) in Free State, Basutoland. It is also planted in the kraals of chiefs in Lesotho to ensure the loyalty of the people. The parsley tree was also an important plant in traditional medicine, with all parts being used to treat a wide variety of ailments like: headaches, fevers, shortness of breath, coughs, dysentery, nervous disorders, mental diseases, and intestinal worms in humans and horses, as well as ringworm. Today we know that this plant contains a volatile oil that contains known painkilling and anti-fungal compounds. Because the timber is so soft it decays rapidly and makes  a poor source of fuel, but the Xhosas are known to make musical bows of it.

In the Garden:

Because it is fast growing with striking bark and a graceful shape, the parsley tree makes an attractive and unusual garden tree for all seasons.  It does not have destructive roots, making it suitable for both small and large properties, and great for low maintenance and water-wise gardens. Once established, the plants are also frost resistant, making them ideal for inland gardens.  Try to position this tree where its beautiful bark can be seen to best effect. It also looks wonderful if planted in groups to form a shady grove; and is an interesting and good container plant for a courtyard or patio. The branches will provide roosting and nesting sites for birds, and when in bloom, insect-eating birds will forage in the flowers.

Cultivation:

The parsley tree is low-maintenance and most versatile in the garden because it does not have invasive roots and can be planted in full sun or shade. It also tolerates drought and is very frost hardy once established, thriving not only at the coast, but also in cold inland gardens. Young trees will need to be covered and their roots mulched in winter. Although it varies greatly in size and shape in the wild, and can sometimes look like a scraggly shrub more than a tree, in the garden, if it is planted in good, well-drained soil and is watered moderately during seasonal dry periods, it will grow very quickly (up to 2m per year). Feeding occasionally with an organic fertiliser and mulching the roots with compost will also go a long way to keep it looking at its best in the garden.

Propagation:

Parsley tree seed germinated easily if sown in summer, (October to December). An ideal, well-drained growing medium would be one part compost to one part river sand. Sow the seed thinly in seedling trays, covering them lightly with soil and placing the trays in a shady area. Do not allow the sowing medium to dry out completely, until the seeds start to germinate after about two weeks. Thin out if necessary and continue to water regularly until established. After about three months the seedlings can be transplanted into pots or nursery bags to grow on. Another method of propagation is by means of cuttings.  

Pests & Diseases:

This tree suffers from no serious pests or diseases but may be affected by common garden insects like aphids.

Poisonous:                       

Not poisonous.

 

CoCombretum kraussii Picture courtesy www.wildflowernursery.co.zandensed Version:

The forest bushwillow, with its attractive shape and dense canopy, is one of our most decorative garden trees. It varies in size from 5 to 15m tall with a 4 to 8m spread, depending on climate and  has a well-shaped crown and a single trunk about 80cm in diameter, with a smooth grey to dark grey bark which becomes flaky with age. This tree is classified as mostly evergreen or semi-deciduous, as the spring leaves only partially replace the old foliage. Its beautiful spring and summer foliage, white flowers and eye-catching winged fruits, together with the rich hues of its autumn and winter foliage, make it a good all year round tree. It will grow in sun and shade, is low maintenance, fast-growing, and tolerates moderate drought and frost.

The forest bushwillow makes an excellent specimen shade tree and is suitable for small gardens. Because it can be planted in groves it is also useful when adding background foliage to large garden beds. Cultivated specimens tend to retain many lower branches, so if you are growing it as a shade tree, prune out the lower branches; but for a screening effect retain the lower branches. Because its roots are unlikely to lift paving, it is suitable for large parks and office parks, avenues, pavements and carparks. It can even be grown in large containers if fertilised and watered regularly. This indigenous tree will provide roosting and nesting sites for many types of birds and the seeds may be eaten by some birds. The nectar in the flowers will attract bees and many butterflies to the garden.

Choose a site in full sun or semi-shade to shade, and prepare the planting holes well, adding lots of compost and a generous dressing of bone meal or superphosphate. Although mature trees are fully hardy, young trees will need winter protection when still young. Although moderately drought hardy, it will look at its best in the garden if watered moderately during dry spells. Mulch the roots and feed occasionally with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Combretum kraussii Tree Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryFull Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The forest bushwillow is endemic to southern Africa, growing wild nowhere else in the world. It is can be found from the coast to the midlands in the eastern regions of South Africa; from the Eastern Cape to Kwa-Zulu Natal and neighbouring Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. It's habitat ranges from evergreen forests or forest margins to dense woodlands and rocky hillsides, grasslands and savannah-bushveld; and at altitudes from almost sea level up to 1 200m.

This is a fast growing, shapely, medium to large tree that varies in size from 5 to 15m tall with a 4 to 8m spread, depending on climate. It has a well-shaped crown and a single trunk about 80cm in diameter, with a smooth grey to dark grey bark which becomes flaky with age. This tree is classified as mostly evergreen or semi-deciduous, as the spring leaves only partially replace the old foliage.

In autumn and winter the leaves turn brilliant shades of bright red to purple, dropping most of them just before producing small, creamy-white flowers on dense, short spikes, from about August to November, or even January in some regions. When in bloom, some trees will lose the chlorophyll in their leaves surrounding the flowers, turning them white and putting on quite a show. The fresh spring leaves turn a lovely bright green in summer. Small but showy four-winged fruit clusters follow the flowers from about February to June. They are light to dark red and turn a conspicuous brownish red when dry and each fruit has one wrinkled seed.

Bushwillow’s are pollinated by various insects, including bees and the wing-like fruit structure is adapted to wind dispersal. Various animals are also known to eat the fruit, thereby dispersing the seeds.

Uses:

Traditionally the roots are dried and powdered to use as an enema to cleanse the system, or as a tonic to improve the appetite. Certain parts of the tree are used to produce antidiuretics, lotions for eye infections, as well as antiseptics. The pliable young stems are used in basket-making; and the yellowish wood is tough, but the sawdust can cause skin irritation.

In the Garden:

The forest bushwillow, with its attractive shape and dense canopy, is one of our most decorative garden trees. Its beautiful spring and summer foliage, white flowers and eye-catching winged fruits, together with the rich hues of its autumn and winter foliage, make it a good all year round tree. It will grow in sun and shade, is low maintenance, fast-growing, and tolerates moderate drought and frost.

The forest bushwillow makes an excellent specimen shade tree and is suitable for small gardens. Because it can be planted in groves it is also useful when adding background foliage to large garden beds.

Cultivated specimens tend to retain many lower branches, so if you are growing it as a shade tree, prune out the lower branches; but for a screening effect retain the lower branches. Because its roots are unlikely to lift paving, it is suitable for large parks and office parks, avenues, pavements and carparks. It can even be grown in large containers if fertilised and watered regularly.

This indigenous tree will provide roosting and nesting sites for many types of birds and the seeds may be eaten by some birds. The nectar in the flowers will attract bees and many butterflies to the garden.

Combretum kraussii Fruits Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryCultivation:

Choose a site in full sun or semi-shade to shade, and prepare the planting holes well, adding lots of compost and a generous dressing of bone meal or superphosphate. Although mature trees are fully hardy, young trees will need winter protection when still young. This tree responds well to pruning and can be pruned into shape when still small to form a perfect shade tree on screen. The roots are not aggressive and if cared for correctly the river bushwillow can grow about 1m per year. Although moderately drought hardy, it will look at its best in the garden if watered moderately during dry spells. Mulch the roots and feed occasionally with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Propagation:

Combretum kraussii produces lots of fruits and grows easily and quickly from seed; but the fruit should first be checked for parasites before sowing. Indications of parasites being present are small circular holes in the body or a gummy excrescence. Store the seed in a dry place until you are ready to sow and soak in warm water for about an hour before sowing. Sow the seeds 3 to 5mm deep into small pots, and ensure that your growing medium drains very well. Germination should take 9 to 29 days after sowing.  Do not overwater the young seedlings and protect them from severe heat and cold for the first year.

Pests & Diseases:

This tree does not suffer from any serious pests or diseases but cutworms can cause damage to seedlings. Also look out for aphids and red spider.

Warning:

Not poisonous.

See under medium-sized plants

Lemon verbena shrub. Image by Lebensmittelfotos from PixabayCondensed Version:

Lemon verbena grows best in warm, moist, tropical and sub-tropical regions. Although it normally loses its leaves in winter, in tropical regions it can be semi-evergreen. In warm, regions it can reach up to 8m or more, but in the garden it is usually pruned to keep it about 1.5 to 2m tall and 1 to 1.5m wide. To encourage bushy growth, prune the plant hard in spring.Lemon verbena is adaptable to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions and will grow throughout South Africa as long as it can be protected from strong wind, and is watered regularly in dry summer regions. Although it thrives on sandy alkaline soils, the plant adapts to most garden soils with good drainage. It will grow in full sun to semi-shade and is hardy to moderate frost

Harvest the fresh leaves as required, and if you wish to dry some for winter use, it is best to harvest them just before the plant starts blooming. Hang the stems up in small bunches to dry.

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my e-book 'Growing Culinary Herbs in South Africa" Click here to read more

Lemon verbena, Sitroenverbena (Aloysia citriodora) is considered to be the "queen of aromatic herbs" and the dried leaves are invaluable when used in sachets and potpourri because they can retain their smell for years! Oil distilled from the plant is used in perfumery and also made into a popular drink in Spain, called "Luisa."

There is little history or legend recorded for lemon verbena, but it is native to South and Central America, particularly Chile and Peru. The plant was found in Argentina and Chile by Spanish explorers who brought it to Europe in the seventeenth century. Lemon verbena became particularly popular in Spain and Italy as flavouring for food, and the genus name, Aloysia, was given in honour of Maria Luisa Teresa de Parma (1751–1819) the wife of King Carlos IV of Spain.

Uses:

The oil extracted from this plant is used in the making of cologne, toilet water, perfume, and soap. A strong infusion can be added to the bath to soften and refresh the skin, but because it is expensive, commercially it has been replaced by the use of lemongrass. An herbal tea made from the leaves of lemon verbena can be rubbed onto garden chairs, window-sills etc. to help keep mosquitoes away.

Health Benefits:

Lemon verbena has been prized for its medicinal properties for centuries. Verbena tea is used as a calmative and sedative, and to aid digestion. The aromatic leaves contain hundreds of organic chemicals such as terpenoids, volatile oils, flavonoids and phenloic acids. The most abundant flavonoid in lemon verbena is luteolin, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties, making it a powerful free radical scavenger. The volatile oils are made up primarily of citral, citronellal and linalool. Lemon verbena essential oil is used in aromatherapy to increase energy, relieve fatigue and overcome feelings of apathy, disinterest and listlessness. The oil also oil helps sharpen concentration and stimulate brain function.

Lemon verbena infusion is one of those tried and true ‘grandmother's remedies’ that are really enjoyable to take. Margaret Roberts, author of "Herbal Teas for Healthy Living," says that lemon verbena promotes overall nervous system health, and in tea form combats both depression and the ill effects of stress. In a report about botanical ingredients for beverages, German researcher Joerg Gruenwald found lemon verbena to be effective as an aid to digestion; and that lemon verbena tea is particularly effective in relieving digestive tract spasms, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

To take advantage of these properties, pour 1 cup boiling water over 10 dried lemon verbena leaves, allow too steep for five minutes, strain and drink when the brew has cooled sufficiently. If you desire a touch of sweetness, add a small amount of honey to the tea.

Lemon verbena tea. Image by Lebensmittelfotos from PixabayIn the Kitchen:

The flavour of lemon verbena is difficult to describe – lemony, but without the acidity which comes with lemons, together with a distinctly herbal green flavour that comes from the leaves, similar to lemon basil. Because it is strongly aromatic this herb needs to be used sparingly.

The strongly flavoured leaves make one of the best tasting herbal teas, and the French, who love their herbal teas and serve them after almost every meal, use lemon verbena to make their beloved tea known as "verveine", which is simply a small twig of dried lemon verbena leaves steeped in a pot of hot water.  Mint and lemon verbena are often used together, not only for their delectable flavour but also for their digestive and antioxidant properties.

The leaves also make a tasty addition to summer desserts and drinks and can be added to jams, jellies and puddings. Lemon verbena is an ideal choice for simple syrups which can be drizzled over fruit, or added to cocktails. Another great way to enjoy it is steeped in cream or milk for flavoured panna cotta, whipped cream, or in a refreshing floral ice cream or jelly.

Use lemon verbena as a flavour agent when brining meats like pork before cooking. The chopped fresh leaves work well in vegetable marinades and salad dressings, can be added to stuffing and go especially well with poultry. They can also be blended into a zingy pesto for dressing grilled chicken and vegetables.

Experiment with this delightful flavour and try adding the finely crumbled dried leaves to the batters of carrot, banana, or zucchini bread; they even make rice taste magic if added just before serving.

Infuse lemon verbena leaves into oil or vinegar to use in your favourite recipes, like an “aioli” dressing for greens or over fish. Aioli is a Provençal sauce, rather like mayonnaise, and usually made of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, egg yolks, and seasonings. There are many variations, such as the addition of mustard.

You can freeze lemon verbena leaves whole, or chopped and frozen in ice cube trays filled with a little water. Try blending the chopped leaves into softened butter and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or form the mixture into balls and freeze on a cookie sheet before storing in the freezer in zipper bags. This frozen butter can be used to flavour vegetables and fish, or even to spread on bread or pancakes. The fresh leaves can also be added to vinegars and oils.

In the Garden:

Lemon verbena is a woody shrub, but if it is pruned regularly it can be beautiful in the garden with its attractive, fresh green leaves and fronds of delicately mauve to white flowers in late summer and autumn. The flowers will attract butterflies to the garden, and because it is the most fragrant of all the lemon scents in the garden, lemon verbena should be first on your list if you want a scented garden.

Grow lemon verbena in shrubberies and herb gardens, or in containers placed on patios and other high profile areas where the aromatic foliage can be touched and harvested regularly. Sprigs of foliage are effective as a natural air freshener, so keep them in vases indoors to enhance the air quality.

Lemon verbena flowers. Image by Lynn Greyling from PixabayCultivation/Harvesting:

Lemon verbena grows best in warm, moist, tropical and sub-tropical regions. Although it normally loses its leaves in winter, in tropical regions it can be semi-evergreen. In warm, regions it can reach up to 8m or more, but in the garden it is usually pruned to keep it about 1.5 to 2m tall and 1 to 1.5m wide. To encourage bushy growth, prune the plant hard in spring.

Lemon verbena is adaptable to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions and will grow throughout South Africa as long as it can be protected from strong wind, and is watered regularly in dry summer regions. Although it thrives on sandy alkaline soils, the plant adapts to most garden soils with good drainage. Unlike many herbs, lemon verbena benefits from frequent fertilisation during the growing season, and regular mulching of the roots. It will grow in full sun to semi-shade - in very hot regions it will appreciate some shade and in cooler regions it will thrive in full sun.

Lemon verbena is hardy to moderate frost as long as it is planted in a protected place in the garden, and the roots are protected in autumn with thick mulch. If established plants are cut back to the ground by frost, they should reshoot after the first good summer rains. In severely cold regions, pot culture is preferable because the pots can easily be moved in winter to a warm patio, or they can be covered with a frost protection cover.

Harvest the fresh leaves as required, and if you wish to dry some for winter use, it is best to harvest them just before the plant starts blooming. Hang the stems up in small bunches to dry.

Small potted plants are available from garden centres, but lemon verbena is easy to propagate from woody or softwood cuttings taken in spring or softwood summer. For the best results, try to choose woody pieces with a small heel.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Lemon verbena is generally pest and disease free, but can be attacked by spider mites and whitefly.

Caution:

Lemon verbena is safe for most people when consumed in moderation in cooking, and in appropriate amounts as a medicine. It can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in some people. Because not enough is known about its use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, it is best to avoid its use during this time. Large amounts of lemon verbena may irritate the kidneys, so avoid it excessively if you have kidney problems.

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