If you’ve ever watched an episode of HGTV’s gardening shows, you’ve probably seen lavender featured. This beautiful and aromatic herb is a favorite among gardeners worldwide. But what do you do with all that lavender once it’s been harvested?
Below, we’ll show you what to do with your lavender to ensure its flavor and fragrance last for years to come. Lavender is easy to grow and can be harvested once it’s established. The best time to do so is in June, when the plant is in full bloom. Harvest stems in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, to retain their full aroma.
There are several ways to dry lavender, but here are a few tips to get you started. First, choose a well-ventilated area to dry your lavender. Air circulation is key to naturally drying the lavender and ensuring its full flavor is preserved. You can hang the lavender in bunches upside down to dry or use a dehydrator for faster results.
Once dried, you can use lavender in a variety of ways. The most common use for dried lavender is in sachets to keep your home smelling fresh. You can also use dried lavender in cooking, as it adds a unique flavor to dishes. For example, you can infuse honey with dried lavender and use it in tea or drizzle it over baked goods.
If you’re looking for other uses for dried lavender, the possibilities are endless. From homemade beauty products to crafts, lavender can be found in a variety of forms. For example, you can make lavender oil or lavender soap, or even use dried lavender in potpourri.
So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of lavender, don’t let it go to waste. Follow these tips for drying and storing lavender, and you’ll have a fresh supply to use all year round.
Simple Ways to Dry Lavender From Your Garden
If you have lavender growing in your garden, drying it is a great way to preserve its beauty and fragrance for further use. Here are three simple ways to dry lavender:
- Sun-drying: This is the easiest and most common method. Simply cut the lavender stalks in the morning, when their essential oil content is at its peak. Gather a bunch of stems and secure them together with a rubber band. Hang the bunch upside down in a warm, dry, and sunlit place with good air circulation, such as your kitchen. Make sure to place a tray or cloth below the lavender bunches to catch any fallen petals. Leave them to dry for a few weeks until they are completely dry and crispy.
- Air-drying: If you live in a humid or sun-free environment, air-drying lavender is a better option. Spread the lavender stalks in a single layer on a clean and dry surface, such as a tray or mesh screen. Place them in a warm and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Allow the lavender to dry naturally for several weeks. Turn the stalks occasionally to ensure even drying.
- Oven-drying: If you’re in a hurry and want to speed up the drying process, you can use your oven. Preheat the oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 200°F or 93°C). Spread the lavender stalks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the oven and keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check on the lavender every 10 minutes to prevent burning. It should take about 1-2 hours for the lavender to dry completely in the oven.
Once your lavender is dry, you can store it in airtight containers like glass jars or ziplock bags. The dried lavender can be used in a variety of ways, such as making potpourri, sachets, herbal tea, or adding it to homemade bath salts and body scrubs. You can also use the dried lavender in floral arrangements or peel off the individual flowers for decoration.
It’s important to note that different varieties of lavender may require different drying methods. English and French lavenders are common varieties that dry well, while some Spanish lavenders may not retain their fragrance as well. Experiment with different drying methods to find what works best for the lavenders in your garden.
By drying your lavender properly, you can enjoy its beautiful fragrance and numerous uses throughout the year, even when the plants are not in bloom. So take some time to harvest and dry your lavender, and enjoy its aromatic benefits!
How To Grow Lavender in Your Home Garden
Growing lavender in your home garden can be a fruitful and enjoyable experience. Lavender is a hardy plant that thrives in sunny climates and well-drained soil. Below are some tips to help you successfully grow lavender at home.
Choose the right location:
Lavender loves sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained, as lavender doesn’t like overly wet conditions. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider adding some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
Select the right variety:
There are many different varieties of lavender available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some varieties are better suited for culinary use, while others are more aromatic and ideal for making sachets or potpourri. Do some research to find the variety that best suits your needs.
Prepare the soil:
Before planting lavender, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. Remove any weeds or grass from the area and dig the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. This will ensure that the lavender plants have enough space for their roots to grow.
Planting lavender:
Once the soil is prepared, plant your lavender seedlings or cuttings. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and place it in the hole. Gently pack the soil around the plant and water it well. Be sure to leave enough space between plants to promote air circulation and prevent diseases.
Watering and care:
Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant and prefers to be slightly dry than overly wet. Water your lavender plants deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. Pruning your lavender plants in early spring will promote bushy growth and more abundant blooms.
Harvesting and drying:
To harvest lavender, wait until the flowers have fully bloomed and the buds are beginning to open. Cut the stems in the morning, after the dew has dried, using clean and sharp scissors or shears. Gather the cut stems into small bunches and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. Make sure the lavender is out of direct sunlight during the drying process. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the lavender to dry completely.
Once the lavender is dried, you can use the flowers in a variety of ways. You can leave the flowers on the stems and use them to make sachets or potpourri. Alternatively, you can remove the flowers from the stems and use them in cooking or baking to add a delightful lavender flavor. Store the dried lavender in an airtight container to preserve its fragrance and flavor for further use.
By following these tips, you can grow lavender in your home garden and enjoy its beautiful blooms and aromatic scent throughout the year.
How Often To Water Lavender
Properly watering lavender is essential for its healthy growth and fragrance production. Lavender plants are native to Mediterranean regions and have adapted to grow in dry, rocky soils. Therefore, they prefer well-drained soil and aren’t particularly tolerant of wet conditions.
Watering lavender too frequently or allowing the soil to stay wet for prolonged periods can lead to root rot and the death of the plant. On the other hand, not providing enough water can cause the lavender to dry out and die as well.
So, how often should you water lavender? Here are some guidelines to follow:
- When newly planted: Water lavender plants deeply once or twice per week and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This helps establish a deep root system.
- Established plants: Lavender plants are drought-tolerant and generally only require supplemental watering during dry spells. Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Avoid overhead watering: Lavender plants don’t like water on their leaves and flowers, as it can cause them to develop mould or diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant.
- Winter watering: In areas with cold winters and heavy snowfall, lavender plants should not be watered during winter. Frozen soil can cause the roots to rot. However, in milder winter regions, occasional watering may be necessary if there’s a lack of rainfall.
Following these watering practices will help maintain the health and beauty of your lavender plants. Remember, lavender prefers dry conditions, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.
Now that you know how often to water lavender, why not try growing this beautiful and fragrant herb in your own garden? Lavender has many uses, from culinary and medicinal to decorative and aromatic. Dried lavender bunches can be used to make sachets, potpourri, and floral arrangements, or you can simply hang them to enjoy their natural fragrance.
Remember to harvest your lavender when the flowers are in full bloom. Cut the stems just above the leaves, leaving enough foliage for the plant’s energy production. Follow the drying process mentioned in our article on drying lavender tips for storage and further use.
With lavender in your garden, you’ll not only have a wonderful scented herb but also a masterclass in gardening. So why not give it a try and experience the many benefits lavender brings to your home and garden?
How To Harvest Lavender
Harvesting lavender is a crucial step in the process of drying and preserving this fragrant herb for further use. Here are some simple steps to follow:
1. Choose the right time: Lavender is typically ready for harvest in June, but it may vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. The best time to harvest is early in the morning before the sun heats up the plant.
2. Check for readiness: Lavender is ready to be harvested when the flowers are fully opened and the buds begin to show color. Give it a gentle squeeze – if you can smell the lavender fragrance, it’s a good sign that it’s ready.
3. Prepare for harvesting: Before you start cutting, make sure you have a sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors. You should also have a basket or a tray to collect the harvested lavender.
4. Cut the lavender: Take the shears and cut the lavender stems about 1/3 of the way down from the base, just above the leaves. Make sure to leave some foliage on the plant to promote continued growth.
5. Bundle the lavender: Gather the harvested lavender into small bunches, about 20-30 stems per bunch. Tie the stems together tightly with a homemade twine or rubber band. This step helps the lavender dry evenly and prevents the flowers from falling off during the drying process.
6. Choose the drying method: There are several ways to dry lavender. The most common method is air drying. Hang the lavender bunches upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Another option is to use a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature for a faster process.
7. Dry naturally: Let the lavender dry naturally for about two to three weeks, or until the stems feel dry and brittle to the touch. The drying time may vary depending on the humidity levels in your area.
8. Store the dried lavender: Once the lavender is completely dry, remove the flowers from the stems by gently rubbing them between your hands. Store the dried lavender in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. This will help preserve its fragrance and keep it fresh for years to come.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully harvest and dry lavender from your own home garden. Enjoy the delightful scent and use the dried lavender in various arrangements, cooking, or for further DIY projects.
