So true. I have it in one of the raised beds, but I am thinking of removing it. it hasn't migrated much - the pumpkin vines seem to have kept it in check. Still, I could use the space for something more useful, so out it goes!

Diana

Mine will go in a pot. I have heard the stories ; )

I have mine directly in the herb bed, but three times a year I whack it. Then twice a year I dig out chunks of it since I pot it up for the church greenhouse and our herb sales there. We always worn customers about mint and lemon balm!

GGG

Never had that problem with lemon balm. She's a lady in my garden.

She's a lady in my garden, too. Of course I live in Texas, where we LOOK for the words "may become invasive" so we can find things tough enough to survive! *snicker*

I haven't had any trouble with Lemon Balm here in Nebraska. I do have it in the shade which might keep it calmer and not as take over:)

Stacie

First time to this forum. Have also found lemon balm to be invasive, but also keeps bugs away. Will keep it mixed in where I want to repel pests. Pots are great solution.

I bought my house at the end of winter, and moved in just when things were starting to come up. Well, there were a few jewels, but I found that mostly I had HUGE beds of the old-fashioned invasive daylily and, in back, a patch of spearmint that extended about ten feet out from the back of the house. Holy cow. I like mint, but... This will be my third summer here, and I expect to still be pulling out mint, probably forever, but at least it is enough in control I can plant other things and not lose them, as long as I am diligent about getting the mint out when it pops up. Which it does, without warning.

Oh, yeah, there was the bed of lily-of-the-valley with designs on my driveway, too...

Dayle Ann

Can anyone tell me what you are using your lemon balm for? One mentioned that it repels bugs. Anyone use it for anything else?

gurley, I use it to make a tea bread, but that's about it.

Last year I grew lemon verbena and found I really prefer it over lemon balm.

Lemon Herb Tea Bread

3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh lemon balm
1 tablespoon chopped fresh lemon thyme (or use lemon balm)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
Lemon Glaze

COMBINE first 3 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 15 minutes until cool.

BEAT butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

COMBINE flour and next 2 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at low speed after each addition until blended. Stir in lemon rind. Pour batter into a greased and sugared or floured 9-x5-x3-inch loafpan.

BAKE at 325 degrees for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely. Drizzle Lemon Glaze over bread.

LEMON GLAZE: Combine 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl; stir until smooth.

NOTE: I prefer to make this recipe using 3 mini loaf pans. I bake them for 48-50 minutes. You can also substitute lemon balm for the lemon thyme.

{{gwi:1150983}}

Harper

Oh Yeah..... that looks like a good reason to grow lemon balm, or anything else lemony.

Harper-- Mind if I copy this recipe? It looks better than mine.

Jeannine--I can see this in your new herb retreat!!!!

I'm planning on adding lemon verbena.

gldno1-- I agree it can get agressive but my BES fight for territory.

georgeanne