 | Lavender is one of the most popular of herbs, valued over the centuries for its wonderful scent and medicinal properties. Back in Victorian times, ladies often had their temples bathed with lavender water for headaches, a “cure” that may not have been purely psychological. Lavender is featured in many aromatherapy products for its ability to soothe and relax, hence the success with headaches, and today, the many physical manifestations of stress.
It is a relatively simple herb to grow, but depending on your hardiness zone, it may not over-winter well. You can start with a small kit that includes seeds, growing medium and a planter, and germinate your plants indoors on the windowsill. There are also mini greenhouses with a flat tray, seeds, growing medium and hood, where you can grow more plants, and thin the seedlings out without having to transplant them before it’s warm enough outdoors.
If you’re going to start with nursery stock, get a hardy, well-established plant in a four-inch pot. Choose a sunny spot that has well-drained soil, and work in some compost. The rule of thumb is to set plants as deep as they were in the pot. If you grew them yourself and aren’t sure about the depth, bring the soil up to approximately ½” over where the roots begin to branch out. (This is for small seedlings only.)
Once planted, water the soil well, and mulch around it for about three inches. Lavender tolerates heat and lack of moisture fairly well. It will not require a great deal of watering, but can be given a drink now and then during a drought.
The stems of purple flowers can be cut off at the base, and hung upside down singly or in bunches to dry, and be used in potpourris or sachets.
|  |
|
