Lavender Square Foot Gardening

Lavender is a fragrant herb that can add a touch of elegance to your garden. Though often associated with Mediterranean climates, it can be grown in most parts of the world.

While lavender does have certain preferences to be aware of, it will flourish with proper care. So read on to learn more about this lovely addition to any square-foot garden.

Also, Read: Square Foot Gardening Pumpkins

Varieties

Lavender is a popular herb that has a long history of use in culinary and medicinal applications. Moreover, there are many different varieties of lavender, each with its unique flavor and aroma.

The most common type of lavender is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is often used in perfumes and soaps.

French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is also a popular variety renowned for its crisp, clean scent.

Spanish lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is another common type characterized by its slightly minty flavor.

And finally, there is Mediterranean lavender (Lavandula x intermedia), a hybrid variety that combines the best qualities of English and French lavender.

The Best Lavender Variety To Grow by Square Foot Gardening

The best Lavender variety to grow by square foot is ‘Munstead‘ It is a traditional English variety that has been grown for centuries.

They have narrow, bright green leaves and deep purple flowers with a strong aroma that is both relaxing and uplifting.

Notably, ‘Munstead‘ blooms twice. Moreover, it’s cold-hardy, so you can expect the first blooms to appear in mid-spring, which is earlier than with some other lavenders.

These plants are also small and compact, making them ideal for growing in small gardens and containers.

In addition, ‘Munstead‘ lavender is very easy to grow and is resistant to pests and disease. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it doesn’t require a lot of water.

While “Munstead” makes a great addition to your home, especially if you enjoy its strong fragrance, the plant is toxic to cats and dogs, so some precautions may be required.

Check out: How many corn plants per square foot

Lavender Propagation

Lavender is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings. With just a few supplies and a little know-how, you can create a whole new lavender plant from just a single stem.

To get started, you will need a sharp knife or pruning shears, a jar or vase of water, and some rooting hormone powder.

Choose a healthy lavender plant with plenty of lush, green growth. Cut a 4-6 inch section of stem from the plant, including at least two sets of leaves.

When you’ve done that, remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and then dip the cut end into the rooting hormone powder.

Next, place the cutting in the jar or vase of water and set it in a lightly shaded spot. Check on the cutting daily, and add more water to keep the stem submerged.

After about two weeks, you should start to see new roots forming at the base of the cutting.

You can transplant the lavender cutting into some potting soil at this point. With a little love and care, your new lavender plant will soon bloom beautifully.

Growing Lavender From Seeds

Watching your lavender plants grow from tiny seedlings to full-blown plants can be a rewarding experience for any gardener.

In addition, growing lavender from seed is a great way to get exactly the lavender plants you want.

By choosing your seeds, you can ensure that your plants are well-suited to your climate and gardening style. Of course, growing lavender from seed does require a bit of patience and care.

Seedlings are delicate and need plenty of sunlight and water to thrive. However, with a little time and effort, you can easily grow beautiful lavender plants from seed.

Read: Square Foot Gardening Kit

Propagating Lavender From Softwood Cuttings

Late spring is the ideal time to take softwood cuttings from lavender plants. Softwood cuttings are young, new growth that has not yet hardened off.

These cuttings are easy to root and will quickly develop into healthy plants.

To take a softwood cutting:

• Snip a 6-inch piece of stem from the tips of a lavender plant.
• Choose a stem that is healthy and free of any blemishes.
• Strip away the lower leaves, leaving two or three sets of leaves near the top of the stem.
• Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.
• Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and moisten the soil.

Within a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the top of the cutting.

At this point, you can begin to reduce watering and eventually transplant your new lavender plant to its permanent home in the garden.

Propagating Lavender From Hardwood Cuttings

It is relatively easy to propagate lavender from hardwood cuttings. Early spring is the best time to take cuttings from lavender plants.

Look for wood that is not too soft or brittle, and ensure the cuts are clean and sharp.

Once you have your cuttings, dip the ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with well-draining soil.

Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not wet; in 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the cuttings.

At that point, you can transplant the lavender into your garden or keep it in the pot.

Have a look: Learn How to Grow Corn in Square Foot Gardening

Planting

Lavender is a delicate yet versatile herb that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. Although it is often associated with French cuisine, lavender is a native of the Mediterranean.

The plant thrives in warm, sunny climates and requires very little water to survive.

When planting lavender, choosing a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil is important.

Lavender does not tolerate wet conditions, so avoid planting it in areas prone to flooding or where the groundwater table is high.

Once you have selected a suitable location, dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s roots.

Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole and backfilling it with soil. Water the lavender deeply immediately after planting and once per week during its first growing season.

With proper care, lavender will bloom from late spring through early summer. The blossoms can be cut and used fresh in salads or dried and used to flavor tea, baked goods, and potpourri.

Soil Preparation

Before planting lavender, choosing the right type of soil is important. Lavender prefers well-drained soil that is not too rich in nutrients.

If your soil is heavy or clay-based, you may need to amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.

It’s also a good idea to test the pH level of your soil to ensure it is between 6.5 and 7.5. Once you have prepared the soil, you will need to dig a hole twice as wide as your plant’s roots.

After planting, water the lavender deeply and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. Your lavender will thrive in even the most challenging soils with proper care.

Check: Square Foot Gardening Bell Peppers [How & When to Plant]

Transplanting Lavender

If you want to add some lavender to your landscape, transplanting is the best way. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, it is important to choose the right location. Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so pick a spot that meets those requirements.

When you’ve found the perfect spot, it is time to prepare the planting hole. Lavender roots are sensitive, so the hole should be only as deep as the root ball.

After the hole is prepared, gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole. Be careful not to damage the roots as you do this.

Once the plant is in place, backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering

When you first plant lavender in your garden, it may require a little extra help from you to help it get established. One of the most important things you can do is water it regularly.

Lavender likes well-drained soil, so be sure to water at the base of the plant and not overhead. If the leaves stay wet for too long, they can develop fungal diseases.

Depending on the weather and how well your soil drains, you may need to water your lavender every day or two during its first growing season.

Once established, lavender is quite drought-tolerant, so there won’t be a particular need to provide it with additional water from that point on.

However, during periods of dry weather, it’s a good idea to give your lavender a deep watering about once a week.

In addition, when mulching your lavender, it’s important to keep the area dry. To ensure sufficient drainage, you can use sand, gravel, or rocks.

Also, Check: Square Foot Gardening Arugula [How to Grow]

Spacing

When growing lavender in a square-foot garden, it’s important to space the plants properly to ensure they have enough room to develop strong roots and reach their full potential.

Lavender plants should be spaced 18 inches apart, with 24 inches between rows.

It will give the plants room to spread out without crowding each other. Keep in mind that lavender can spread rapidly, so it’s important to give it plenty of space to grow.

Fertilizing

Lavender is a popular choice for square-foot gardens as it is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilizing.

However, lavender does benefit from being fertilized once or twice a year with a high-quality fertilizer. For best results, apply the fertilizer in early spring and late summer.

It’s advisable to use low-nitrogen fertilizers to encourage blooming. Alternatively, you can use a general, all-purpose fertilizer if you dilute it.

Importantly, make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can damage lavender plants.

Lavender Maintenance and Pruning

Lavender tends to grow quickly and can easily become overgrown. By trimming the leaves and stems regularly, you can keep the plant tidy and promote new growth.

In addition, pruning helps increase air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. For best results, aim to prune your lavender plants every few weeks during the growing season.

Read: Square Foot Gardening Watering [5 Best Methods to Water]

Where Does Lavender Grow Well?

Regarding its growth requirements, lavender is relatively easy to care for. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought conditions.

Lavender can withstand both cold winters and hot summers. As long as these basic requirements are met, lavender will thrive in a wide range of climates.

In general, lavender is a hardy plant that can be grown in most environments. So whether it’s New York’s cold winters or warm summers in Los Angeles, your lavender can persevere.

The lavender plant is also relatively easy to grow and care for once you’ve familiarized yourself with its needs and preferences, making it a popular choice among gardeners of all experiences.

Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil; seeds, cuttings, or divisions can propagate it. Once established, lavender is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require much fertilizer.

To encourage growth, however, it is important to prune the plant regularly. Lavender can be used fresh or dried, making it an excellent addition to any garden.

Additionally, you may like some more gardening articles:

• Square Foot Gardening for Swiss Chard
• Chamomile Square Foot Gardening
• Square Foot Gardening Rosemary [Growing Tips]
• Marigold Square Foot Gardening [3 Easy Steps to Plant]
• Square Foot Gardening Herbs [Best Tips to Grow]

Secrets of Growing Lavender

While lavender is relatively easy to grow, there are a few secrets to success:

• Lavender prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. To promote drainage, mix in some sand or grit when planting.
• Lavender is a sun-loving plant, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Be sure to water your lavender regularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
• Don’t forget to fertilize your plants once or twice during the growing season.

A balanced fertilizer will help them to produce more flowers. Finally, don’t be afraid to prune your lavender plants back hard in the fall. That will encourage new growth in the springtime.