Saturday, August 11, 2012

Lemongrass and recycled potting soil experiment update

I was asked to comment on growing lemongrass. I bought some lemongrass from a local Asian grocery store and rooted it in water. I had read that the roots start growing very quickly, but for me it took a good 2-3 weeks. I can't remember how long I had it in "growing" in water before I planted it in my community garden. The roots weren't very long so I was worried that it would not take. I planted about 5-6 stalks at the fringe of the garden.  One of them didn't do really well, but the rest seem to be quite happy...maybe not as thick as the ones I see in the store. I'm planning to try making some lemongrass tea.
Out of all the lemongrass, the one that has done the best is in a spot that gets the most sun. The other were shaded by a tomato or pepper plant. 
I am finally seeing some differences in the fresh potting soil versus the recycled soil. The jalapeno plant in the recycles soil is running out of nutrients and is turning yellow whereas the jalapeno in the new potting soil is still a luscious green.
New potting soil on the left, and recycled potting soil on the right
I fertilized the plant in the recycled soil and it is slowly getting back some color. I guess the lesson is that when using recycled potting soil, make sure to start fertilizing regularly.

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10 comments:

  1. JoseAugust 12, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    Thanks for showing your Lemongrass !
    Have you grown Ginger ? I'm growing both to try to make Lemongrass-Ginger ice cream in the
    future

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    Replies
    1. CharmcitybalconygardenAugust 12, 2012 at 9:34 AM

      I really want to try growing ginger. It is definitely on my things to try list. Right now I'm checking if I can leave it over the winter.

      Delete
    2. JoseAugust 12, 2012 at 12:44 PM

      You can't you have it outside over the winter, you have to bring it inside it doesn't over winter well. You should grow more herbs, like Kaffir Lime leaves? Sage, Chives, Sugarcane, Lavender, Bay Laurel, Parsley, Curry Leaf, Lemon Verbena, Garlic, Holy Basil, Chamomile, Jasmine, And Bulbing Onions. I've saved over 50 dollars a month by growing them. I hope you give it a try too.

      Delete
    3. CharmcitybalconygardenAugust 12, 2012 at 3:15 PM

      OK, I will wait for next season to try the ginger. Oddly enough, I was just at a Thai restaurant where they had Kaffir lime plant outside. I was thinking of asking them if I can cut a stem to try rooting it. I'm also going to the Asian store to see if I can get a kaffir lime. I would also like to get a Bay Laurel and Curry Leaf as well. I'm going to look online for them. Sounds like you are growing a lot Jose, that's really cool!!

      Delete
  2. Renee' DavisAugust 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    You could grow Bay Laurel from cuttings from the grocery store root them in some potting mix and dip the cuttings in honey & they should root.

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    Replies
    1. CharmcitybalconygardenAugust 22, 2012 at 9:31 PM

      Wow, this is great to know! Thank you. I've never looked for fresh bay leaves. I'm gonna go to the store and see if I can find some!

      Delete
  3. JaneAugust 19, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    You could grow in your winter garden kales, garlic, shallots, & onions during the winter and harvest them in the spring when your gonna plant your cool season veggies

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    Replies
    1. CharmcitybalconygardenAugust 22, 2012 at 9:32 PM

      I wasn't sure of the timing for garlic, but that is one thing I would like to try. Maybe I will do that after the fall season veggies are done. I'm starting the kale now.

      Delete
  4. OffTheSpeedLimitJanuary 14, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Hello! Are you mostly an active online user or you are for live communication?

    ReplyDelete

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