Love lavender?
Growing it outdoors is easier than you think.
Here are 6 simple tactics to help your lavender thrive.
Say hello to beautiful, fragrant blooms!
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Choose the Right Variety
There are so many types of lavender! English lavender is a popular choice because it’s pretty hardy and smells amazing.
If you live somewhere super cold, go for varieties like the French or Spanish lavender that can handle a bit of frost. Picking the right type will increase your chances of having a blooming backyard full of lavender.
Take a trip to your local garden store and see what’s available or browse online. Plus, you can always mix and match!
Pick a Sunny Spot
Lavender loves soaking up the sun. Find a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
If you plant it somewhere shady, it might not bloom as well. A sunny location not only helps lavender thrive but also keeps the soil from staying too wet, which lavender isn’t a fan of.
Your sunny spot will be your lavender’s new favorite hangout!
Prepare the Soil
Lavender’s picky about its soil. It loves well-drained soil and isn’t a fan of staying soggy.
You might want to mix a bit of sand or grit into your soil to improve drainage. If your soil is too acidic, consider adding lime to balance it out.
Good soil prep will make your lavender happy and keep it blooming beautifully. So grab your tools and get that soil ready!
Water Sparingly
Once lavender is settled in, it doesn’t need a lot of water. Too much can lead to root rot.
After planting, give it a good soak, and then water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. During really hot months, you might need to water a bit more, but otherwise, less is more.
Think of lavender as your low-maintenance friend that just needs a bit of love now and then!
Prune Regularly
Pruning is super important to keep your lavender looking fresh and not all leggy and wild. Once the blooming season is over, usually in late summer, give your plants a little haircut.
Cut back about a third of the plant, but avoid cutting into the woody part as it might not grow back. Regular pruning encourages new growth and more blooms next season.
Plus, who doesn’t love a tidy garden?
Keep Pests Away
Lavender is pretty good at keeping pests at bay because of its strong scent. However, occasionally, you might see aphids or other bugs.
Gently spraying your lavender with water can help dislodge them. For stubborn pests, consider using a natural insecticidal soap.
Remember, a healthy lavender plant is less likely to attract pests, so proper care is key. Your lavender will thank you!