GARDEN ZONE
Indian variety . Lemongrass prefers a loamy or sandy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 . Prepare your soil by adding compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility . When planting , bear in mind that lemongrass can grow up to a metre across , so space plants at least 60 – 80cm apart . Lemongrass does not like wet feet or overhead watering , as this can cause leaf spot and rot . You also want to fertilise sparingly , as too much nitrogen in the soil can reduce the quality and amount of oil .
Resources
SAEOPA – SAEOPA ( South African Essential Oils Producers Association ) is a non-profit organisation established in 2000 to promote essential oils and natural plant products ’ production , processing and export . It represents members and the industry , offers training , conferences and workshops , promotes research and works to expand the local industry . Find them at www . saeopa . co . za .
ARC - Farmers seeking advice on the production of essential oils can phone the Agricultural Research Council ’ s Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Plants on ( 012 ) 808 8000 or visit www . arc . agric . za .
Babylonstoren distills rosemary , geranium , and lavender using a 200-liter stainless steel pot still . Here , the steam from the distillation process escapes before the used leaves can be removed . Image : Babylonstoren
STEAM DISTILLATION
The steam distillation process involves exposing the plant material to high-pressure steam , which then breaks down the membranes of the cells in the plant tissue that contains the oil and releases the oil into the stream in the distillation unit . The steam is then cooled by condensation and the oil separates from the steam and can be removed . Nowadays there are many types of kits available , for any size production , including small home kits .
69 MARKtoe ! Augustus 2023