Lemon Balm

Let me tell you - my kids are very excited about Lemon Balm!  So am I, actually.  It's a great little plant.  It grows easily in this area and can be used as a tea or as an insect repellant.  WooHoo!  Wendy from Tall Pine Farms explained to me and my girls how to grow it, dry it, and use it. 

To grow it is pretty simple:  partial to full sun with room to grow (apparently, it will be plentiful).  She told us 2 ways to dry it:  1) put it in the oven overnight at the lowest possible setting.  2) hang it upside-down in a dry place.  In this area, with our humidity, the oven is the best choice. 

Now for uses - that's what we're really excited about.  Tea:  It can be used dry, like a traditional tea, or used as a fresh leaf in warm or hot water for a lighter tea.  I presume we could even boil the leaves in water and cool for iced tea.  Insect repellant (this is what we're really interested in):  1) pinch off a leaf and crush slightly in your hand then rub on your skin - Simple!  Also, you can crush the leaves into water and spray it on your skin.  Wendy told us that we would have to experiment to find out the best ratio of leaf to water for the best results.  That's all you have to say to my daughter.  She decided right then what her science project is for this year:  Lemon Balm spray keeps the bugs away!  I'll keep you posted on the results!

See you at the Market!