Q: I have a large planter full of West Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogan citratus) and live in Brookhaven(Dekalb County). I understand Lemon Grass is a tender perennial. How do I take care of it over the winter? Should I wait until first frost to cut it back and store the planter in the basement until spring? Or should I acclimatize it to indoor conditions and bring it inside for the winter? Could it survive outdoors in a southeast-facing location next to the house if I mulch it well?

A: It’s hard to keep alive indoors in winter. I’d try planting the clump in the sheltered location outdoors and see what survives.