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Many new gardeners ask “Can you plant lemongrass with mint?” because both herbs grow fast, smell wonderful, and seem like they should share a pot or bed. I tried this pairing years ago on my balcony garden, thinking it would save space. What actually happened taught me a lot about root competition, moisture needs, and how aggressive mint can be when confined with other herbs.
The short answer: You can plant lemongrass with mint, but it only works well under specific conditions otherwise mint overwhelms everything.
This guide walks you through when the pairing works, when it fails, and how to set it up so both herbs stay healthy without choking each other out.
Why Lemongrass and Mint Don’t Naturally Grow Well Together
Even though both plants enjoy consistent moisture, they behave very differently underground:
- Mint has fast-spreading, invasive runners that quickly take over containers and raised beds. In my pots, mint always reached the edges within a few weeks and began choking nearby herbs.
- Lemongrass grows upright but forms a dense clump, needing space for its base to widen.
- Mint prefers partial sun, while lemongrass thrives in full, hot sun.
- Mint soils stay cooler; lemongrass likes warm soil.
In practice, when they share the same pot or small bed, mint tends to crowd the lemongrass and steal root space.
Why This Method Can Work (When Set Up Properly)
In some of my larger garden beds, this combination worked fine but only when the plants had boundaries. When mint’s roots were contained, both herbs thrived because:
- Both enjoy rich, moist, well-draining soil.
- Both are vigorous growers during warm weather.
- Mint acts as a natural ground cover, helping retain soil moisture around lemongrass.
- Lemongrass’s height can offer light shade during extreme summer heat.
The key is preventing mint from invading the lemongrass root zone.
What You’ll Need
- Separate pots or in-ground root barriers
- High-quality potting mix (loamy, well-draining)
- Compost or organic fertilizer
- A sunny location (6+ hours for lemongrass)
- Scissors or pruners for mint control
- Mulch (optional but helpful for moisture)
How to Plant Lemongrass With Mint (Without Letting Mint Take Over)
1. Choose One of These Three Setups
Option A: Two Pots, Placed Close Together (Best for Beginners) Mint in one pot, lemongrass in another. They grow side by side, match visually, and stay contained.
Option B: One Large Raised Bed With Mint in a Root Barrier Use a bottomless container or edging ring buried in the soil. I’ve used old nursery pots with the bottom cut out.
Option C: Mint in the Ground, Lemongrass in a Sunken Pot This works well in small yards mint gets the run of the area, lemongrass stays protected.
2. Prepare the Soil
- Use loose, compost-rich soil.
- Ensure drainage is good lemongrass hates soggy roots.
- For containers, mix:
- 60% potting mix
- 30% compost
- 10% perlite or sand
3. Planting
- Mint: plant near the edge of the pot/bed so you can monitor its runners.
- Lemongrass: keep the central position so the clump can widen.
4. Watering
- Both herbs enjoy evenly moist soil but not waterlogging.
- In hot weather, water daily for containers.
- Lemongrass needs slightly more water during peak summer.
5. Sunlight
- Lemongrass: full sun
- Mint: partial to full sun If your balcony or yard gets strong afternoon sun, position mint slightly shaded behind the lemongrass.
6. Controlling Mint
This is the step beginner gardeners often skip.
- Trim runners weekly.
- Never let mint touch the lemongrass base.
- If mint tries to hop your barrier, snip it immediately.
A few minutes of maintenance prevents months of regret.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Use a taller pot for lemongrass. Mint prefers shallow roots; this naturally separates zones.
- Keep mint slightly cooler and shadier, especially in hot climates.
- Fertilize lemongrass more often it’s a heavier feeder.
- Harvest mint aggressively. More harvesting means fewer runners.
- Divide lemongrass every 8–12 months to keep it healthy in containers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting both in a small pot (mint wins every time).
- Giving mint too much sun, causing stress and bitterness.
- Forgetting barriers in raised beds.
- Letting waterlogging occur especially dangerous for lemongrass.
FAQ
1. Will mint kill lemongrass if planted together? Not instantly, but mint will slowly invade root space and outcompete lemongrass unless contained.
2. Can you plant lemongrass and mint in the same pot? Yes, but only in a very large pot with a physical divider or inner pot keeping mint contained.
3. Does lemongrass repel pests that attack mint? Lemongrass’s citronella scent can help reduce mosquitoes and some soft-bodied pests, but it won’t stop mint rust or aphids.
4. How often should I water mint and lemongrass together? Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Containers may need daily watering in summer.
5. Can mint grow in full sun next to lemongrass? Yes, if temperatures stay under 32°C (90°F). In hotter areas, mint prefers partial shade.
When NOT to Plant Lemongrass With Mint
Avoid pairing them if:
- You only have a small container.
- You are planting in pure ground soil without barriers.
- You live in a very hot region where mint burns easily.
- You can’t commit to pruning mint regularly.
In these cases, separate pots are safer and more productive.
Alternative Ways to Grow Both Herbs
Grow Each Herb in Its Own Pot Best for balconies and terraces; easiest for beginners.
Grow in the Same Raised Bed With Barriers Works well if you want a herb corner.
Use Mint as a Ground Cover Near (But Not Touching) Lemongrass Good in mild climates; adds moisture retention.
Conclusion
So, can you plant lemongrass with mint? Yes absolutely but its only work with root control and the right sunlight balance.
In my experience, the best setup for beginners is separate pots kept side by side. You still save space, the plants thrive, and you avoid the frustration of mint smothering your lemongrass.
With simple planning and routine trimming, both herbs can grow vigorously and supply your kitchen all season long. Happy gardening!