If you live in a climate where the winters are very hard, you can still grow lavender plants, but you will probably have to treat them like annuals and replace them each year. Uses for lavender include landscaping, dried buds, culinary, crafts, fresh cuttings, and essential oils. There are different varieties that fit each of these uses differently. [2] X Research source
It would be best if the pot had multiple draining holes to further encourage quick drainage. You can drill extras if the pot you choose only has one drain hole.
You will need well-draining alkaline soil from a garden or department store. This soil is a common product in the garden section, so it should be easy to locate. [5] X Research source Ask an employee if you have difficulty locating the right soil. Mix the soil with your hands to break up any dirt clods. [6] X Research source You can also add 1 Tablespoon of lime to the potting mix to increase the alkaline quality of the soil. [7] X Research source
The dirt should be solid enough that it feels like it will come out in one chunk if handled gently. Handle your pot-less lavender gently to avoid breaking the dirt and damaging the roots as well as the foliage above the dirt. Now you’re ready to pot your lavender plant in the new pot!
Root binding happens when a plant has been in a small pot too long and the roots rival the dirt for space. This makes the dirt hard and unless the dirt and roots are loosened, the roots will not expand in their new pot and the plant will soon die. [11] X Research source Most potted plants won’t be root bound, but it’s a good idea to loosen up the roots and dirt a little to ensure the roots get a healthy start.
Don’t pack the soil around the Lavender plant. The soil needs to stay loose for effective drainage.
Timed-release fertilizer can be found at any gardening or farm store and will release fertilizer as the plant is watered. An example of a timed-release pellet fertilizer is alfalfa pellets. They are organic and contain Triacontanol, which is a growth stimulant. [13] X Research source Some soils come with fertilizers like alfalfa pellets already mixed in, so you may not need to do this.
This mulch is great for preventing rot in the roots and stems of the plants. The white color of turkey grits and white landscaping pebbles will reflect sunlight back to the plant which will stimulate growth. The mulch will also encourage air circulation and quick drainage. These materials are inexpensive and can be found at farm and pet stores and some garden stores. [15] X Research source
Depending on where you live and what season it is, infrequent watering could mean weekly or biweekly. [16] X Research source
Place on concrete surfaces in cooler temperatures to amplify the heat the plants receive. [18] X Research source
One danger of leaving your lavenders in pots in the cold is that if there is enough moisture in the soil, it could freeze and crack your pots. The plant can handle the freezing, but your pots are less likely to.
As a general rule, prune at least a couple of months before winter sets in. Pruning a large lavender plant will take very little time with good pruning clippers Snip the stems about three fingers above the new stems that are springing up around the base of the plants. Pruning each year can potentially extend your lavender’s life to ten years if your climate will allow the plant to live through winter. [19] X Research source
