HOW TO GROW LAVENDER

Lavender is much like rosemary- it can be neglected but not totally ignored.

Think Mediterranean like conditions. Sun, good air circulation, good drainage (almost sandy soil) and occasional watering. It does not like to have soggy, wet roots. Overwatering is likely the number one mistake with growing lavender. It likes to be watered, but not too much, water when top 1 inch of soil is dry.

HOW TO HARVEST & DRY LAVENDER

• Cut flower stems when the buds have formed but the flowers have not opened. The tight flower buds will retain their color and scent longer than the open blossoms – the ideal for crafting!

• Like many woody stemmed herbs, only cut the fresh growth – the green stems, not the woody stems. Cutting the fresh stems will promote regrowth, cutting woody stems will not.

• Follow the stem from top to bottom and cut with sharp scissors or gardening shears, leaving at least 2-3 sets of leaves on the stem to ensure the plant has enough foliage to stay strong and regrow.

• Bundle 3-5 stems together and hang to dry for 1-2 weeks. A dry, dark location with good air circulation is ideal.

• Once dried, you can keep the stalks or remove the buds from their stems and store in a paper bag or glass jar.

LAVENDER & OATMEAL TUB TEA

Here’s just one of the many ways to use these lovely buds. This is one of the gifts we made at a Herbs for Gift Giving workshop. It smells amazing and is super quick and easy to assemble.

Bath teas are a mix of dried herbs and other soothing ingredients to relieve tension, soothe aching muscles, stimulate circulation and provide overall relaxation. They’re like tea bags for your tub. In this particular mix we use lavender to add a lovely scent, oats to soothe dry, itchy skin and Epsom salt to soothe tired muscles.

To use, simply add a bag to your bath tub while it’s filling and let it hang out in the tub with you while you soak away your troubles. If you’re gentle, you can use the baggy as an exfoliant too. Just don’t rub too hard or your tea bag will split open. This tub tea does not produce any bubbles, but the oats will cause a little cloudiness in the water – that’s how you know it’s working. And, because everything is contained in a baggy, there’s no mess when you drain the tub.