Help me control my lemon balm!

[operamommy]

When I planted it in my herb garden a couple of years ago I had no idea that it spread pretty much like mint! I know the best way would have been to plant it in a pot buried in the soil (like I've done with my mint) but what can I do with an established plant? I don't want to get rid of it, but it's popping up EVERYWHERE, even out in the veggie garden. Any tips? Thanks!

[lunarlady]

Outside of bringing in a sheep or goat to eat it all (and everything else) I think you are stuck with pulling it out by hand for this season. If you want to kill it back for next season, I would bake the soil (either using a layered mulch approach or black plastic) then rototill. That will get rid of it, but it will come back if you keep some around.

[mattemma04]

I am like this with the spearmint and chocolate mint.I have the balm too,but don't mind it so much. I just dig it out if it is growning in a bad spot and replant it where I don't mind the spreading.Or I gift it after potting it up.It is a nice gift and mental boost to smell that lemon.

[choli]

Wish I were you! It's impossible to have too much lemon balm - try a large handful of it in a fruit smoothie every morning, it's divine and so good for you!

I'd be freezing it in cubes for the winter if I was you...

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by choli

Wish I were you! It's impossible to have too much lemon balm - try a large handful of it in a fruit smoothie every morning, it's divine and so good for you!

I'd be freezing it in cubes for the winter if I was you...

Oh ya? It is good in smoothies??

I have a big bunch of it too.

[operamommy]

Originally Posted by choli

Wish I were you! It's impossible to have too much lemon balm - try a large handful of it in a fruit smoothie every morning, it's divine and so good for you!

I'd be freezing it in cubes for the winter if I was you...

Do tell more!

[choli]

Originally Posted by operamommy

Do tell more!

Mornings, i make smoothies like this measurements approx:

Serves 2

2 cups keffir
1 cup mixed berries
1/2 cup cranberries
lots of lemon balm

Blend in blender. Somehow, the lemon balm gives it so much more flavour. It is also supposed to be very very good for you. I can't grow it as fast as we use it,