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Love English Lavender?
Want to grow your own?
It’s easier than you think! Here are 7 simple tactics to help you cultivate this beautiful plant.
Let’s make your garden fragrant and lovely with English Lavender.
Ready to learn? Let’s go!
Pick the Right Location
English lavender loves the sun! Make sure you pick a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil, so avoid any low spots where water might pool. If you’re planting in a pot, make sure it’s got good drainage at the bottom.
Lavenders aren’t fans of waterlogged roots!
Prepare the Soil
Lavender isn’t too picky, but it does prefer slightly alkaline soil that drains well. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Adding a bit of lime can also help raise the pH if your soil is too acidic. Just make sure it’s nice and loose before you plant your lavender.
Space Your Plants Properly
Give your lavender plants some room to breathe! Space them about 12-18 inches apart.
This helps with air circulation, which is key for keeping them healthy and avoiding mold or mildew. Plus, well-spaced plants will grow more robustly and produce more beautiful blooms.
Water Wisely
When it comes to watering, less is more with lavender. After planting, give them a good soak, then let the soil dry out before watering again.
Once established, your lavender will only need a deep watering every couple of weeks. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so keep an eye on that soil moisture.
Prune Regularly
Pruning is essential for keeping your lavender plants looking their best. Trim back about one-third of the plant in early spring, just as new growth begins.
This encourages fuller growth and more flowers. You can also give them a light trim after they’ve finished flowering to tidy things up and promote a second bloom.
Fertilize Sparingly
Lavender doesn’t need a lot of feeding. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to fewer flowers and more foliage.
A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring should be plenty. You can also add a bit of compost to the soil when planting to give your lavender a good start.
Protect in Winter
In areas with harsh winters, your lavender may need some extra protection. Mulch around the base with straw or leaves to insulate the roots.
If you’re growing lavender in pots, consider moving them to a sheltered spot or even indoors during severe cold snaps. This helps ensure your plants will be back and blooming come springtime.