There are many reasons to prune lavenders. Lavenders need a little extra care during winter, so pruning them too early can result in a lack of new growth. Ideally, you should prune lavenders when the stems start to show new green growth at the base of the plant. If you have lavenders in pots, you can move them around the garden as the sun sets and bring them indoors during the winter. Lavenders like a fairly small space, so they do best in pots.
English lavenders are cold-hardy to Zone 5, but should be sheltered and protected from extreme winter temperatures. French lavenders, on the other hand, tolerate humid conditions better than English varieties, and so should be planted far apart. You can dry lavender flowers and make sachets from them. You can also make lavender oil by soaking them in water and then storing them in a dehydrating agent. Lavender is a beautiful flower in your garden.
Once established, lavender plants are very drought-tolerant. However, you should still water them regularly, especially in the first growing season. Excessive watering may cause root rot or fungal disease. You should also thin out the lavender plant every year after harvesting flowers to improve air circulation. There are many care tips for growing lavender. Soil conditions need to be right. Soil moisture should be about 65% of its total volume.
Another study investigated the effect of lavender oil on academic stress. The authors of the study evaluated the effect of lavender oil on the autonomic nervous system and electrical activity of the brain. This study was published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. Other studies have also examined the benefits of lavender oil inhalation on the brain. The scientific review of alternative medicine suggests that aromatherapy is a good way to deal with stress and anxiety. These studies are still preliminary, so be sure to read the journal carefully.
For culinary use, lavender is a natural flavoring for many dishes. It is best harvested when the buds open. You can use lavender fresh or dried, but remember to use it sparingly. The essential oils from lavender are most concentrated at the bud stage, so use the smallest amount possible. To use it in cooking, place dried lavender buds in a sugar solution. Alternatively, you can add dried lavender buds to cake batter or sweet pastry dough.
Another beneficial use for lavender is for reducing the pain and nausea of migraine. It can also help you get a good night’s sleep by reducing stress. It can also help treat gastrointestinal problems. Although lavender tea may not provide as much relief as a tincture, the scent and relaxing properties of lavender make it an ideal sleep aid. If you’re suffering from a migraine or a tension headache, a few drops of lavender oil placed in a pillow case will help you fall asleep.
Another way to use lavender is to make a lavender wand. The wands are easily made out of almost any fabric bag, but organza bags are best. You can use any size of lavender bag for this purpose. You can tie a ribbon around the stems and fill them with dried lavender buds. Make sure that you cut the stems very short to allow them to release the scent. This method is also popular among scented candles.
