Few herbs offer the same refreshing flavor and wellness benefits as lemongrass. Known for its bright citrus aroma and soothing qualities, lemongrass is a favorite in teas, soups, and natural remedies. While it’s often associated with large herb gardens or tropical landscapes, you don’t need vast space to enjoy its benefits. With a little creativity, you can grow lemongrass in recycled wooden crates and transform it into delicious homemade tea. This approach is sustainable, practical, and perfectly suited for urban or small-space gardeners.
Why Lemongrass is Worth Growing
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is not only a flavorful herb but also a natural wellness booster. Its leaves and stalks are widely used in herbal teas, offering calming effects that help with relaxation, digestion, and immunity. Rich in antioxidants, it has also been valued in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Beyond its health benefits, lemongrass adds a fresh fragrance to the garden and even works as a natural mosquito repellent—an extra perk for outdoor living spaces.
Why Choose Crates for Lemongrass?
Wooden crates provide an eco-friendly and effective container for growing lemongrass. Repurposing old fruit or shipping boxes keeps materials out of landfills while creating practical planters. Crates are roomy enough for lemongrass roots, which spread quickly, and they offer excellent drainage when prepared properly.
Unlike heavy clay pots, crates are lightweight and portable. This allows you to easily reposition them for sunlight, or move them indoors when cold weather arrives. Since lemongrass thrives in warm, sunny conditions, mobility can be a big advantage in ensuring steady growth.
Preparing Crates for Planting
To grow strong, healthy lemongrass, you’ll need to prepare your crates carefully:
-
Check durability – Reinforce the crate with nails or screws if needed, since soil and water can add significant weight.
-
Line the interior – Use burlap, jute, or landscape fabric to hold the soil in place while allowing water to drain.
-
Add drainage holes – If the crate bottom is solid, drill several small holes to prevent waterlogging.
-
Soil mix – Fill the crate with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. A mixture of potting soil and compost works best. Lemongrass prefers slightly sandy soil, so adding a little sand improves texture.
Planting Lemongrass
Lemongrass can be grown from either stalk cuttings or seedlings:
-
From stalks: Buy fresh lemongrass stalks from the market with the base intact. Place them in a glass of water until roots appear, then plant them directly in the crate.
-
From seedlings: If starting with young plants, simply transplant them into the crate, spacing each about 12 inches apart to allow enough room for growth.
Since lemongrass grows in clusters, a medium crate can comfortably support two or three plants.
Care and Maintenance
Lemongrass is relatively easy to care for but thrives best under the right conditions:
-
Sunlight: Place the crate in a sunny spot where the plant can receive at least 6–8 hours of light daily.
-
Watering: Lemongrass loves moisture, so keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
-
Feeding: Apply organic compost or liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season to encourage lush, green leaves.
-
Pruning: Trim back old or dried leaves regularly. This not only keeps the plant tidy but also encourages fresh, tender growth.
Harvesting for Tea
Harvesting lemongrass is simple and rewarding. Once the stalks are at least a foot tall, you can start cutting leaves for tea. Snip the leaves near the base and wash them thoroughly. For fresh tea, steep a few chopped leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes. For storage, dry the leaves in a shaded, well-ventilated place until crisp, then store them in airtight jars.
The stalks themselves can also be harvested for a stronger, more citrusy flavor. Crush them slightly before steeping to release their natural oils.
Benefits of Growing Lemongrass in Crates
Using recycled crates for lemongrass offers multiple advantages:
-
Eco-friendly – Reuses old materials and reduces waste.
-
Space-saving – Perfect for balconies, patios, or small backyards.
-
Portability – Easy to move depending on sun exposure or weather.
-
Aromatic garden – Adds fragrance and repels mosquitoes naturally.
-
Health boost – Provides a steady supply of leaves for fresh, homemade herbal tea.
Final Thoughts
From crate to cup, growing lemongrass for tea is a fulfilling way to connect gardening with everyday wellness. With just a recycled wooden crate, some soil, and a bit of care, you can cultivate a thriving patch of this fragrant herb right at home. Each cup of tea you brew will carry not only the refreshing flavor of lemongrass but also the satisfaction of knowing it was grown sustainably and with your own hands.
Whether you live in a city apartment with a balcony or a suburban home with limited garden space, crate-grown lemongrass offers a sustainable and rewarding gardening solution. It’s proof that with creativity and eco-conscious choices, anyone can enjoy homegrown tea straight from the garden.
