"Growing Lavender - Everywhere!"

Growing lavender from established greenhouse plants is much quicker than starting from seed. It's possible, but the seeds are often very slow to germinate - up to 3 months sometimes, and they need a constant temperature - around 15 degress C.

It can be propagated from cuttings or, as in most woody plants, will produce roots when branches are 'layered': Stretch out a lower branch and fix to the soil with a V shaped peg until roots have developed. This needs to be done from a healthy established plant.

If you have the urge to try your hand at starting lavender from seed, and the ideal environment, try it!

Lavender seed can be bought here (Thompson & Morgan):

Planting Out

Choose a sunny position, away from cold air currents.

Lavender will grow in most soils, as long as it's well-drained and not too acid. However, the more neutral the soil, the more essential oils the plant will produce. Plant out in late spring, after any threat of frost.

Dig a large enough hole for the small plant, fill in, firm down and water well.

Growing Practically!

Lavender has been grown by home-gardeners for thousands of years.

It can be trained to grow as a hedgerow, and growing cabbages along it's length will produce a great crop of each!

Use sparingly in cooking - lavender is VERY strong in taste, and just a tiny flower chopped into the salad bowl will be enough to give your salad an exotic edge!

Infuse as a tea, and either drink or use to dab the forehead when suffering from headaches.

Give them away as gifts to friends at Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Growing lavender to make organic gifts gives you lots of environment-friendly brownie points!

Lavender has been used for many years in herbalism and is though to cure a number of ailments:

Lavender oil touched gently on the temples is said to ease a head ache.

Infusions of lavender flowers have been used to soothe insect bites and for many years, the flowers and seeds have been made into 'lavender bags'. These are placed under the pillow to induce a restful night's sleep.

Lavender oil has been proved scientifically to have healing properties but care should be taken in it's use as it can be an irritant to those with flower allergies.

Lavender flowers can be candied and used for decorating cakes. The flowers are not only very attractive and used in floral arrangements, but they are also much favoured by honey producers. The nectar collected from lavender produces some of the best tasting honey in the world!

Dry lavender flowers and use in lavender bags or pot pourri for the smell of summer all year round!

Happy Gardening!

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You'll also find gardening advice as well as some ideas on planning a herb garden. Order it now direct from the publisher... Herb Gardening

www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/growinglavender.html