Allow me to spike your interest with a few April chores that set your lavender up for its best fragrance yet. Your garden deserves the best, so grab the season by the roots and make it count! Playing for a tie with the neighborhood is simply not an option.
8 In-violet-able Rules
Here’s a simple roadmap to help your lavender thrive. A legendary bloom doesn’t happen by accident.
Quick note: This guide is geared toward USDA Zones 5-9. If your garden is still buried under snow… yeah, this can wait a little.
1: Debris Clearing
I start by clearing away the soggy winter layers sitting around the base of the plant. Remove any moldy mulch and matted leaves so the crown is exposed to good airflow.
Damp debris creates the perfect miserable environment for fungal problems, and your lavender has no interest in hosting a rot-filled pity party.
A clean surface also helps the soil temperature to rise faster in spring, encouraging new growth as the plant comes out of dormancy.
2: Soil Aeration
Once the base is clear of winter trash, give the roots a bit of breathing room. I break up soil that has hardened over winter with a hand fork.
This helps water soak in instead of running off and improves airflow around the roots. Compacted soil limits oxygen and can slow down the plant’s ability to put on new growth in spring.
Loosening the soil can also improve drainage and make it easier for roots to expand before the summer heat sets in.
3: Drainage Audit
see continuation on next page
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