Lemon Balm
Herbaceous perinnial
3 feet

Cultivation

Site	Full sun with midday shade.
Soil	Grows in any moist soil.
Propagation	Sow in spring, slow to germinate. Divide plant, or take stem cuttings in spring or autumn.
Growing	Thin or transplant to 2 feet apart. Small plants can be grown indoors.
Harvesting	Pick leaves anytime, but handle gently to avoid bruising. Their flavor is best when flowers begin to open.
Preserving	Dry leaves. Add fresh leaves to vinegar.

Uses

Decorative	leaf - Use in invalid posies.
Culinary	Leaf - Finely chop fresh leaves into salads, white sauces for fish, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, pickled herrings, poultry and pork. Add to fruit salads, jellies, custards, fruit drinks and wine cups.Add to blended vinegars: try lemon balm with tarragon.
Household	Leaf - Plant around beehives and orchards to attract pollinating bees. Rub on beehives before introducing a new swarm. Add juice to furniture polish. Once a strewing herb.
Cosmetic	Leaf - Infuse as a facial steam and as a rinse for greasy hair. Add to bath water.
Aromatic	Leaf - Use in potpourri and pillows.
Medicinal	Leaf - PLace fresh leaves directly onto insect bites and sores, or apply as a poultice. Infuse as a tea for relief from chronic bronchial catarrh, feverish colds, headaches, and to calm and uplift tension.