Okay, so, I’ve been growing lavender for a while now, and winter always throws me for a loop. It’s a bit of a tricky time for these fragrant fellas. Last year, I nearly lost a few of my plants because I had no idea what I was doing. But this year, I did my homework, and I’m happy to report that my lavender plants are thriving, even with the cold weather! Here is how I did it.
Getting the Garden Ready
First things first, I start prepping my garden beds before the real cold hits. I clean up around the lavender plants, you know, get rid of any dead leaves, weeds, or anything that could rot and cause diseases. I figured it’s better to deal with it now rather than wait until spring.
Letting the Lavender Rest
Then, I cut back on watering. I mean, way back. Lavender doesn’t need much water in the winter, it’s like they’re hibernating. I let the soil dry out completely between waterings. And as for fertilizer? Nope, none of that during winter. They’re not growing, so they don’t need the extra food. I will wait until they show signs of growth in the spring.
Protecting from the Cold
The biggest thing I learned is that they need protection from freezing. So, I put down a thick layer of mulch around each plant. This helps to keep the roots warm. The mulch is like a cozy blanket for them. And if we’re expecting a really bad snowstorm or a long period of super cold temperatures, I even cover them up with some burlap or a frost blanket. Just temporary, until the bad weather passes. These covers worked like a charm, and it helped them avoid any damage.
Keeping an Eye on Indoor Lavender
- If you keep the lavender indoors, you gotta make sure they are in a cool room.
- Lots of light is still important, but they shouldn’t be near drafty windows.
- Just like with the outdoor plants, I don’t water them much or give them any fertilizer during winter.
And that’s pretty much it! It’s not too complicated, but it makes a huge difference. My lavender plants are looking great, and I’m pretty sure they’ll make it through the winter just fine. Spring will be here before we know it, and then it’s back to enjoying their lovely scent and pretty flowers!
