Lavender, with its beautiful fragrance and charming purple blooms, is a beloved addition to many gardens. However, growing lavender successfully can be a bit tricky, and there are some common mistakes that gardeners often make.
In this article, we’ll explore nine lavender-growing mistakes that you can easily avoid. By steering clear of these pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving lavender garden that will delight your senses and enhance your outdoor space.
1. Neglecting Proper Soil Preparation
When it comes to growing lavender, the first mistake many people make is neglecting the importance of soil preparation. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH.
It detests soggy roots, so be sure to amend your soil with plenty of sand or gravel to improve drainage. Test your soil’s pH and adjust it if necessary to create the ideal conditions for your lavender plants. Remember, lavender prefers a soil pH of around 7.0.
2. Overwatering Your Lavender
One of the most common mistakes lavender enthusiasts make is overwatering their plants. Lavender is a drought-tolerant herb, and it prefers to be on the drier side. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other issues.
Once established, lavender only needs occasional deep watering, typically every two to three weeks, depending on your climate. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to keep your lavender healthy and happy.
3. Choosing the Wrong Location
Selecting the right location for your lavender plants is crucial for their success. Mistake number three is choosing the wrong spot in your garden. Lavender craves full sun, so it’s essential to place your plants in an area where they’ll receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
If your garden has too much shade, your lavender may become leggy and fail to produce those iconic purple blooms. Prioritize a sunny, well-ventilated spot to help your lavender thrive.
4. Pruning Lavender Incorrectly
Pruning is a crucial aspect of lavender care, and mistake number four is pruning your lavender incorrectly or at the wrong time. To keep your plants looking neat and healthy, trim them back in the spring, just as new growth begins.
Avoid cutting too far into the woody stems, as this can harm the plant. Regular pruning helps stimulate new growth and prevents your lavender from becoming overly woody and less productive.
5. Failing to Provide Adequate Air Circulation
Mistake number five is often overlooked but can have a significant impact on your lavender’s health. Lavender plants need good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and the development of diseases like powdery mildew.
Ensure that you space your lavender plants appropriately, allowing for proper airflow between them. If you notice your lavender becoming too dense, consider thinning it out to improve ventilation and reduce the risk of fungal problems.
6. Skipping Mulching
Another mistake to avoid is skipping the mulching step in your lavender garden. Mulch serves as a protective barrier, helping to retain moisture in the soil, prevent weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Use a light layer of organic mulch like straw or wood chips around your lavender plants, taking care not to cover the base of the stems. This will aid in moisture retention and overall plant health, reducing the need for frequent watering.
7. Ignoring Regular Fertilization
Mistake number seven involves neglecting the nutritional needs of your lavender plants. Lavender doesn’t require excessive fertilization, but it does benefit from occasional feeding to support healthy growth and blooming.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Remember, too much fertilizer can harm your lavender, so moderation is key.
8. Allowing Weeds to Take Over
Don’t let mistake number eight overrun your lavender garden—allowing weeds to take over. Weeds compete with your lavender for water, nutrients, and sunlight, making it essential to keep them in check.
Regularly inspect your garden for weeds and remove them promptly. Mulching, as mentioned earlier, can also help suppress weed growth, reducing the amount of time you spend weeding.
9. Neglecting Pruning After Blooming
Our final mistake to avoid is neglecting to prune after your lavender has finished blooming. To maintain a tidy appearance and encourage a second flush of blooms, prune your lavender plants lightly after the first flowering cycle in early summer.
This will help prevent them from becoming overly woody and will promote continuous growth and blooming throughout the season. By avoiding these nine common lavender growing mistakes, you’re well on your way to cultivating a flourishing lavender garden that will fill your outdoor space with its soothing fragrance and enchanting beauty.
Remember, lavender may require some attention, but the rewards of a vibrant, aromatic garden are well worth the effort. Happy gardening!
