YOGYAKARTA - Lemongrass is one of the spices that are almost always used in various Indonesian dishes. Its distinctive aroma is able to enhance the taste of food, ranging from soup, soto, rendang, to various stewed dishes. Because it is often used, many people are starting to be interested in learning how to plant lemongrass for kitchen needs so that they don't have to buy it every time at the market.
The good news is that lemongrass is a plant that is easy to cultivate, even for beginners. You only need a fresh lemongrass stem, fertile planting media, and simple care. Within a few months, lemongrass can be harvested and used as a daily kitchen seasoning.
Why Grow Lemongrass Yourself?
There are many benefits that can be obtained if you plant lemongrass at home. In addition to being more economical, the lemongrass that is harvested is also fresher because it is used immediately after being picked. This plant also has an aroma that can help reduce the presence of insects around the house.
Not only that, lemongrass is also a plant that is resistant to various weather conditions so that it is suitable for planting in the yard or in pots.
Preparation Before Planting Lemongrass
Before starting how to plant lemongrass for kitchen needs, prepare the following equipment:
Lemongrass that still has a base and roots. Pot or planting land. Loose soil. Compost or manure. Water as needed.Choose healthy lemongrass stems, fresh green in color, and not yet dry. If possible, use stems that still have a little root so that the growth process goes faster.
How to Plant Lemongrass for Kitchen NeedsHere are the steps you can follow.
Rendam Pangkal SeraiBefore planting, soak the bottom of the lemongrass stem in water for 3-7 days. Place it in a place that gets indirect sunlight. Later, new roots will begin to grow.
Prepare Planting MediaMix soil, compost, and fire ash or sand in a balanced ratio. A loose growing medium will help the roots grow better.
If using a pot, choose a minimum size with a diameter of 30 cm so that the lemongrass cluster has enough growing space.
Plant LemongrassInsert the lemongrass stem about 5-10 cm deep into the planting medium. Make sure the roots are well covered with soil, then slowly compact it so that the plant stands upright.
Water RegularlyAfter planting, water every day in the morning or afternoon. Avoid too wet soil conditions because it can cause the roots to rot.
Care for Lemongrass Plants
The success of how to plant lemongrass for kitchen needs is also influenced by the care taken. Here are some things to consider.
Give the Sun LightLemongrass needs full sunlight for about 6-8 hours every day. The more light it receives, the more optimal the growth of the stem.
FertilizationAdd organic fertilizer every one to two months. Additional nutrients will help the stems get bigger and produce more bunches.
Cleaning the WeedsRemove the weeds that grow around the plants so that they do not compete for nutrients with lemongrass.
Cut Dry LeavesIf there are leaves that start to turn yellow or dry, immediately prune so that the plant remains healthy.
Time to Harvest Lemongrass
Generally, lemongrass can be harvested after it is about 5-6 months old. However, if the growth is very good, the first harvest can be done faster.
The way to harvest it is quite easy, namely by removing the stem that is on the edge of the cluster. Avoid removing the entire plant so that lemongrass can still grow back.
With this technique, you can enjoy repeated harvests without having to plant from the beginning.
Tips for Growing Basil
In order to maximize the harvest, apply the following tips: Use organic fertilizer regularly. Make sure the planting medium has good drainage. Do not water too often during the rainy season. Place the plants in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight. Separate the clusters that are too dense so that growth remains optimal.Mistakes that are often made
Some mistakes that often occur when applying how to plant lemongrass for kitchen needs include using old and dry stems, planting in too dense soil, and overwatering.
In addition, many people place pots in shady locations so that the growth of lemongrass is slow. Therefore, make sure the plant gets enough sunlight every day.
Applying how to plant lemongrass for kitchen needs is actually very easy and does not require special expertise. By choosing good seedlings, providing fertile planting media, and performing regular watering and fertilizing, you can harvest fresh lemongrass directly from the yard.
In addition to saving expenses, having your own lemongrass plants also ensures that kitchen seasoning supplies are always available whenever needed. Start planting now so that your daily cooking needs become more practical while supporting a greener lifestyle. For additional references, read also: Cultivation of Fragrant Lemongrass in Post-Floodplain Land, SIG Builds a Sustainable Ecosystem at the Narogong Factory, West Java
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