Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is easy to grow in the garden. Here are some tips for growing and caring for lavender:
- Choose the right location: Lavender needs full sun to grow well. Choose a location in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Plant in well-draining soil: Lavender prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Water sparingly: Lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Prune regularly: Prune your lavender regularly to keep it from becoming too woody and to promote bushy growth. Cut back about one-third of the plant each year, in late summer or early fall.
- Fertilize sparingly: Lavender does not need much fertilizer. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Protect from frost: Lavender is sensitive to frost. If you live in a colder climate, consider covering your lavender with a blanket or burlap in the winter.
- Harvest at the right time: Harvest lavender when the flowers are just starting to open. Cut the stems with a sharp pair of scissors and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place to dry.
With these tips, you can grow and care for beautiful lavender plants in your garden.