Growing Lavender at Home: From Care to Harvest and Versatile Applications

Lavender is not only famous for its romantic purple fields but is also a versatile herb commonly grown at home. The prerequisite for successfully growing Lavender is providing adequate sunlight. The plant requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Regarding soil, Lavender prefers poorly nourished, dry soil with excellent drainage. Soil that is too rich in nutrients or retains too much water will easily cause root rot and kill the plant. You should add sand or gravel to the soil mixture to enhance drainage capabilities.

Care techniques include moderate watering (only watering when the soil has completely dried out) and frequent pruning. Pruning is a crucial step for maintaining the plant's shape and encouraging more profuse blooming. After the flowers fade, prune immediately below the flower spikes. Harvesting should be done when the flower buds are just starting to open, cutting them in the early morning after the dew has evaporated. In terms of applications, Lavender can be dried to make scented sachets, sleep pillows (for relaxation), or brewed as tea. In cuisine, Lavender is used to make biscuits, ice cream, or as a spice rub for lamb, providing a unique and delicate herbaceous flavor.