The sweet scent of lavender spreading through the air and the beautiful sight of purple flowers swaying in the wind. Who doesn't dream of that in their garden? It takes a few good tips and a bit of research before you start planting lavender, but if you dream of flowers in a raised bed, they are definitely a good choice. Fortunately, they are fairly easy to look after and maintain once you have got them well established in the raised bed.
When do you plant lavender?
Lavender is one of those lovely plants that are sold in pots, and so they have been carefully tended by the time they are ready to be planted out. This also means that, in principle, you can plant them out all year round. Our best tip, however, is to get started in spring, so your lavender plants have the best chance of establishing themselves before winter.
How do you plant lavender?
Before you start planting out, you need to have the position and the soil conditions sorted – lavender has a few requirements here. You should go for dry, lean soil, and if your soil is already wet, you may have to mix in some sand or gravel to create the right conditions. Lavender is also one of the plants that thrive best in full sun, and although that can't be guaranteed in a country like Denmark, it is simply important that you make sure there are no buildings or trees casting too much shade on the plant.
When you plant in a raised bed, make sure there is a good drainage hole so the soil can get rid of all the water.
Step by step: planting out lavender
- Dig your first planting hole and make sure it is deep and wide enough that the roots are not bent.
- Put a layer of gravel in the bottom to create the best conditions for your newly planted lavender.
- Once the gravel layer is in place, make sure you water the whole hole well.
- Next, you can place the plant in the planting hole and fill with soil and sand on top.
- Finish by watering well, and press the soil down around the plant.
Looking after the lavender bed
Although it can take a little preparation to get the soil ready for lavender, this beautiful and fragrant flower does not demand much afterwards. We have already mentioned that lavender does best in dry surroundings. That is why it is only during the first 2-3 months that you should remember to water regularly – that is, until the plant is established.
After that, you do not need to worry about either fertiliser or watering. It will get plenty of moisture from nature.
Every year around spring you should prune, which should be done once the night frosts are over. That way you maintain good growth.
TIP: Follow the 15/15 rule, which means pruning your lavender plants down to a height of 15 cm on 15 April!