Lavender’s vibrant colour and soothing scent makes it a stunning plant to have in any garden, but if you want to see it thrive then these natural hacks can work wonders
Lavender is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, but novice gardeners may not know where to begin when it comes to planting and keeping such plants alive.
The plant itself is not demanding and can survive in soil void of nutrients – but there is still much to be done with a bit of fertiliser which can make them thrive. But, garden enthusiasts have been warned not to over-do it, as too much fertiliser will result in surplus foliage growth and could even kill off the plant.According to Gardeners World, most lavender plants cope well with drought conditions but will suffer in wet, heavy soils, particularly over winter – which is why now is the perfect time to focus on your lavender plants at home.
The optimal time to fertilise lavender is during spring, at the onset of the growing season, reports the Express. But what should you use to feed your lavender plants? According to Stephanie from the home and DIY blog Celebrated Herb, kitchen scraps are a great way to make use of waste and to nourish your lavender.
Banana peels
Bananas are potassium rich fruits and cutting up leftover banana skins into slices and burying them around the base of your lavender plant can encourage the plant to flower more and develop more robust roots. As well as this, they can also be used in the same way to help the growth of orchids and roses too.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are have a high nitrogen content, which, according to Stephanie, is essential for plant growth. By sprinkling the grounds in the area around the plant and folding it into the soil, you can boost its growth. Hydrangeas and roses will also benefit from this and may produce more vibrant blooms.
Vegetable remnants
Vegetable scraps like carrot tops and lettuce leaves can be used to make a homemade compost to enrich your lavender plants with valuable nutrients. Simply layer these scraps with dry leaves and grass clippings in a compost bin, and they will decompose into nutrient-rich compost that can then be placed by the lavender’s roots to help it thrive.
Egg shells
Finally, egg shells can provide a source of calcium to your plant and help to prevent it developing blossom end rot. Crush up the shells and once again, sprinkle them on the soil around the base.
Stephanie warns that kitchen scraps “should not be the sole source of nutrients” for your lavender and then they should be used sparingly to avoid over-fertilisation and potential plant death. The optimal time to feed you plant is during spring, at the onset of the growing season. Lavender is best placed in a sunny spot where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Be careful to water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between each time as it will eventually become drought-tolerant. Ensure good airflow around the plant by spacing it properly, and make sure to prune it annually to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.