When to plant or sow Lemon balm?

Lemon balm thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile herb for most garden positions. It tolerates a range of soils but performs best in loam or sandy soil that drains freely. Before planting, dig over the soil to a spade's depth and incorporate a generous amount of garden compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility. Avoid heavy clay that stays waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Plant lemon balm in April, May, or September when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. If you're planting pot-grown plants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container, and firm the soil gently around the roots. Space plants 50 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 40–60 cm; lemon balm can become quite bushy and will fill out quickly in good conditions. You can also sow seed directly outdoors in April or May once the risk of hard frost has passed. Sow thinly in shallow drills about 1 cm deep, then thin seedlings to 50 cm apart once they're large enough to handle. Germination can be slow and erratic, so starting plants indoors in modules a few weeks earlier often gives more reliable results. Water newly planted lemon balm thoroughly to settle the roots, and keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks until the plant is established. A light mulch of compost around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it clear of the stems to prevent rot. Lemon balm establishes quickly and will begin producing harvestable leaves within a few weeks.