How To Properly Plant Lavender, Plus 8 Great Reasons To Do So
March 16, 2022
sources: House Beautiful / Getty Images/Barbara Hoversten | Seed Bank / alamy
If you’re looking to fill your garden with an aesthetically pleasing, fast-growing plant that offers many great benefits, lavender is the plant for the job. There are so many reasons to plant lavender in your garden. But first, it’s important to ensure you’re planting it properly so it can thrive for years to come.
First, you’ll need to plan out where you want to plant your lavender. Lavender does best in a spot with full sun, and can thrive in even poor soil conditions. Lavender grows extremely quickly and tends to be a sprawling plant, so you’ll need to ensure you’re planting it in a location where it has lots of room to grow and isn’t crowding other plants.
When you’ve picked your spot, dig a hole that’s about six inches deep. Gently loosen the roots of the lavender plant but try not to break them. Place the roots of the plant in the hole, replace the soil, and add a couple of inches of extra soil on the surface. It’s always helpful to add in a bit of compost to help the plant thrive in its new location. Water deeply, then water consistently while the plant acclimates to its new location. Once a lavender plant has fully acclimated and matures, it does not require much water moving forward.
Now that you know the basics of planting lavender, here are eight great reasons to do so!
1. Attracting Pollinators
Lavender is a huge attraction for pollinators like bees and butterflies. To protect these species (and keep the rest of your garden thriving), plant some lavender!
2. Drought Resistant
Once lavender becomes established, it does not need a ton of water, and is quite hardy when it comes to drought-like conditions.
3. Soil Hardy
Lavender is one of the few blooming plants that will tolerate rocky, low-quality soil.
4. Aromatic
Of course, lavender smells amazing! Whether it’s rooted in your garden, in a pot, or dried and hung in the house, lavender has a wonderful smell with relaxing effects.
5. Erosion Prevention
If you have delicate soil at risk of eroding away, plant lavender – it helps to control soil condition and prevent erosion.
6. Ocean Friendly
It’s rare to find a blooming plant that will thrive, even near the ocean. But lavender (particularly sea lavender) can thrive in sandy locations and withstand salty air and water.
7. Edible Varieties
Did you know that certain types of lavender are even edible? If you’ve ever had a lavender dessert, you’ll know how delicious they are!
8. Deer Resistant
If you live in a rural area or someplace where wildlife visits frequently, you’ll know how deer like to eat everything in their path. But, not lavender! They don’t care for the strong fragrance or taste.
Hopefully this information has taught you about the many benefits of planting lavender in your garden. I already have some, but can’t wait to plant more this spring. Lovely, lovely lavender!