There’s something magical about lavender, don’t you think? Its calming scent, soft purple hues, and hardy nature make it a must-have in every garden. Growing lavender is not just about adding color — it’s about bringing peace, beauty, and purpose to your space. So pull up a chair, dear, and let Grandma show you how to care for this gentle plant the old-fashioned way.
1. 🌱 Choosing the Right Spot
Lavender is a sun-loving herb. It thrives in places where the sun kisses it good morning and stays for at least 6 to 8 hours. Choose a location that drains well. Lavender doesn’t like wet feet — soggy soil leads to root rot. If your soil is clay-heavy, add sand or gravel to loosen things up.
Grandma’s tip: Raised beds or pots with holes are perfect for beginners.
2. 🌸 The Right Kind of Lavender
Not all lavenders are the same. For beginners, I always recommend English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It’s fragrant, cold-hardy, and behaves nicely in most gardens. If you live in a warm climate, French or Spanish lavender can be a lovely choice.
3. 🪴 Planting with Care
Spring or early summer is the best time to plant. Dig a hole a little larger than the root ball, gently loosen the roots, and tuck it in like you would a cozy blanket. Space your lavender plants about 2 to 3 feet apart, so they have room to dance in the breeze.
Soil secret: A touch of lime in the soil helps lavender stay happy!
4. 💧 Watering Wisely
Lavender is like your old aunt — it likes attention but not too much. Water it deeply when the soil feels dry, but don’t overdo it. Once it’s established (after the first season), you can water less often. Overwatering is the number one mistake.
Check this trick: Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil — if it’s dry, it’s time for a drink.
5. ✂️ Pruning for Health
Ah, the haircut of the garden. Prune your lavender once a year, preferably after the blooms fade. This keeps it from turning woody and encourages more blooms next season. Just don’t cut into old wood — be gentle.
6. 🌬️ Keep It Breezy
Good air circulation is important. Lavender needs space to breathe. Avoid planting too close to other herbs or walls. It’ll help prevent fungal issues, especially in humid weather.
7. 🌼 Harvesting and Using Lavender
Once the buds are mostly open but before they dry, cut the stems and hang them upside down in bunches. You can make sachets, oils, soaps — or just put them in a vase to enjoy.
Grandma’s recipe: Mix dried lavender with rice, place in a cloth pouch, and toss into your drawers — a natural way to keep things fresh.
🧺 A Few Extra Tips from Grandma
Add mulch (like small rocks) to reflect sunlight and keep weeds away.
Avoid fertilizers. Lavender likes lean soil.
If your winters are rough, cover the base with straw or move pots inside.
With a little care and a lot of love, lavender will reward you year after year. And remember, just like family, it thrives best when given space, sunshine, and kindness.
