Mint and lemon balm are two of the most popular aromatic plants. They are ideal for growing in the garden, as they require virtually no care. There are at least 5 reasons to plant these plants.
Reason one: ease of growing
These two crops can grow in almost any type of soil and do not require special care. Even in a pot on the windowsill, you can get aromatic greens for tea. However, remember that mint grows strongly in width, so it is better to plant it in a limited space. This can be a bucket without a bottom or specially constructed sides that will prevent the rhizome from spreading throughout the garden.
Reason two: repelling slugs
Strongly scented herbs planted around the perimeter of the garden repel slugs.
Gastropod pests will prefer to crawl to a more attractive place than to break through a "fence" of mint or lemon balm into your garden. Of course, this is not a 100% remedy, but why not use it?
Reason three: repelling insects
Mint and lemon balm have a strong smell that repels not only slugs, but many insects such as flies, mosquitoes and gnats.
Their aroma also disorients pests that search for edible plants by smell. Therefore, it is worth "scattering" mint and lemon balm bushes around the garden so that they work against insects along with other aromatic crops (dill, coriander, marigolds, etc.).
Reason four: use in cooking
Mint herbs are successfully used in various dishes, drinks, jams and desserts. They give a fresh aroma, and the delicate leaves and flowering tops are used as decoration.
Reason five: attracting pollinators
Mint and lemon balm attract pollinating insects with their scent, which will also pollinate crops, thus increasing their yield.
Mint and lemon balm also have medicinal properties and are used not only in cooking, but also in medicine and cosmetology.
They help with upset stomach, sore throat, runny nose, headache and many other ailments. Finally, they are simply beautiful, which allows them to be planted not only for practical use, but also as an ornamental plant.
