If you have a sunny spot in your yard, make a herb garden. Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. Hi Chris, A lavender hedge would be a lovely thing to have! For a quick infusion: Set the uncovered jar down into a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. If your soil is heavy, amend it by adding one part sand and gravel to one part native soil, and plant in berms to further help with drainage. Plant in a large pot, 12-18in (30-45cm) in diameter that has large drainage holes. 4. Hi Deborah! Commonly annual, bedding or vegetable plants, plugs are bought online from specialist nurseries. The top growth will serve as insulation, keeping the crown and roots of the plant protected from repeated freezing and thawing. Over watering potted Lavender grown inside is … :). I’m so excited to make some of these lovely things! When you have a lavender bundle to fill your hand, wrap a rubber band around the bottom of the bundle. Add lavender to a jar, then pour vodka or other high proof alcohol over top. I like the ones with long stalks and big flower heads. Make sure to check on your Lavender plant periodically and as for watering try to be lax about it erring on less and not more. Combine and store in a tightly closed glass jar. Do not grow fancy lavender varieties if you’re growing it for culinary uses. Remove from heat and strain. I usually make lotion bars with equal parts of oil, butter and beeswax measured by volume, but have also included the corresponding weights in grams, for those who prefer to use a scale. Thank you so much for all of the time that goes into helping others. Why include arrowroot in this product? Lavenders work in a variety of situations, from wildlife gardens to cottage gardens and even formal gardens, such as planted beneath shrub roses or used as a low-growing hedge. 3. English lavender and common lavender is suitable for this. Lavender flourishes in a slightly alkaline soil. It’s especially wonderful to use on your feet, elbows and knees. Roughly aim for a ratio of twice as much alcohol as flowers. This lavender face cream is thick and rich, making it perfect for dry or mature skin. 0.5 (15 g) beeswax in a heatproof jar or empty tin can. If you’re interested in growing your own beautiful lavender plants, check out this great Lavender Care Guide: How to Grow Lavandula Angustifolia. Use it For Cuttings You can enjoy woody Lavender as is or do what I do and use it to make more plants by using it for cuttings. Have a bountiful crop of lavender from your garden, local farmer’s market, or a trip to a lavender farm, but not sure what to do with it? Dig over any free-draining soil and remove the weeds before planting. A fragrant and colorful plant native to Europe and Western Asia, lavender is a sun-loving flower best grown outdoors. 1. There are hardy, half-hardy and tender species of lavender to choose from. :), […] Lotion Bars | 10 Things With Lavender | 12 Things With Lemon Balm       […]. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I earn a small commission for sending a customer their way. Preparedness Mama and its collaborators have created a one-stop shop of critical resources for families looking to prepare for disaster. This is actually good for it. Place them upside down in a dry, dark place. This is a lovely lavender sachet tutorial you may enjoy: http://livesimply.me/2015/02/25/diy-lavender-sachets/ :). Add gardener’s sand to improve drainage if needed. Lavender does not do well in compacted soil. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. The fragrance from the oils of the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness. For a slower, more traditional infusion: Cap the jar of lavender and oil and tuck away in a cabinet for around 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally as you remember to. All. Propagating Lavender Plants. To use, rub a lotion bar over your skin wherever it feels dry. If it feels too oily, add more sugar. Pour them into a glass jar, tie a tag on with a pretty ribbon and you have a quick last-minute gift idea! This scrub exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft, silky and smooth. Lavender products for the skin might be possibly unsafe for children, especially young boys. I would love to make the lotion bar but I have no lavender at this time growing . Grow lavender as land-filler. Lavender tea, used in place of water, can sometimes color your soap tan or light brown if it’s very strong, but otherwise – sadly no color remains from lavender. Fear of the unknown is one of the scariest things in life, but we hope that Preparedness Mama’s treasure trove of practical advice will make that unknown less daunting and ultimately help take the scared out of being prepared for every single one of our readers. It’s … Happy that you liked the ideas! Lavender, such as cultivars of tender L. stoechas, does well in pots. This is a condition in which … Some people like to add it – or another starch powder, such as tapioca or cornstarch – to help cut some of the greasy feel that body butters can sometimes leave behind. (For a vegan version, use roughly half as much candelilla wax instead of beeswax.) 2. For a third option: You could also set the jar of flowers and oil in a sunny windowsill for several days to a week to jump start the infusion. Heat over a low burner for a few hours, keeping a close eye that the water doesn’t evaporate out. Dried herbs expand, so you’ll need to make sure to allow room for that. :). To print this post, scroll down until you see a green “Print Friendly” button. Keeping your lavender nice and snug Shelf life of strained, infused oil is around 9 months to a year. Here are 10 useful and pretty things that you can make with lavender so you can continue to enjoy it for months to come! Growing lavender plants from seed can be a rewarding and fun way to add this fragrant herb to your garden. Use a multipurpose or loam-based compost, mixing in lots of coarse grit or perlite to improve drainage. You can protect your lavender either by planting your lavender in an area protected from winter winds or you can erect a windbreak around your plants in early winter. (Suggested oils include sunflower, olive, sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, hemp and so forth.). Plants that are over-watered appear wilted and may have brown or yellow leaves that make it look dead but with very moist soil. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Style theme by Restored 316, Copyright © 2020 - Preparedness Mama LLC - Gardening, Food Storage, & Self-Reliance Tips for Busy People. Can I use the lavender leaves/needles as well for the infused oil? According to Richo Cech in one of my all-time favorite books, Making Plant Medicine, some uses for lavender tincture include rubbing on your temples for headache or insomnia, applying directly to your scalp and brushes/combs to discourage lice, and diluted with water (30 drops in a 1/2 cup of water) to treat skin sores and infections. Here’s what to do with woody lavender plants: prune them. Whatever type of lavender you grow, don't prune it heavily late in the season. Place the pan over a medium-low burner and heat until everything is melted. Shelf life of lavender tincture is at least one year, but will probably stay useful much longer than that. Thank you! 9+ Things to Make with Purple Dead Nettle, Lavender Face Cream with Lilacs & Violets {3 recipes!}. :), […] 10 Things to Make With Lavender | 10 Things to Make With Plantain | 12 Things to Do With Lemon Balm […]. It may snap if you force it to bend. Allow the top inch or so of soil to get bone dry. We’ve learned from the past so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes again. Long-lived and hardy border plants include cultivars of the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia and L. × intermedia). For restorative pruning, be sure to sterilize the pruners by soaking them in a solution of water and denatured alcohol to prevent disease spread. If you like the projects on my site, you’ll love my book – 101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home! Shelf life of homemade salves run around 9 months to 1 year. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil (optional) and pour into tins or jars. Combine the ingredients in a heatproof canning jar or upcycled tin can. Lotion bars are the best thing ever for dry, cracked skin. Tie up tightly and toss in the tub as it fills with warm water. Lavender flowers grow as little buds along straight stems. Hi Phyl, Hooray! To make it, fill a canning jar about half-way up with dried lavender flowers. Add a thick blanket layer of mulch over the lavender plants that is at least 2 inches deep. https://www.etsy.com/search?ref=tab_search&q=lavender+infused+oil. They’re easy to throw together and make wonderful gifts too! The buds will fall off into the bowl. It’s naturally colored purple with Brazilian clay, but you could leave that out for an off-white bar instead. Pruning woody lavender plants is the key to rejuvenating them. You can use the full batch for one bath or split it between two baths, depending on personal preference. Rinse well with warm water. What a wonderful thing to happen! Plant your lavender so it sits at the same level as the pot that it was grown in. Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapy. Hi Melissa! Hair loss. Hi June! Gently pinch the stem at its base, and run your fingers from the base to the tip. Fruit trees: Lavender bushes attract the populations of bees that fruit trees require for pollination, … Jan Berry is a writer, herbalist, soapmaker, and bestselling author of The Big Book of Homemade Products, Simple & Natural Soapmaking, and Easy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps. To remove them from the stems, hold a stem over the glass bowl. You can leave it out though if you don’t have any on hand. Be careful , going down to the woody portion of the stem is too extreme and will stunt the growth for next year. Just be sure to leave a few inches of green growth on the plant. The login page will open in a new tab. There are a few affiliate links scattered in this post. So happy to hear you’re excited to make things with your lavender, roses & violets! Winter Care for Lavender Plants Pruning in Preparation. I just had to prune about 50 Provence lavender plants for work (I’m a gardener) and hauled home all the cuttings. Simply cut out sections leaving a … These lavender bath salts are incredibly easy to make. For a low-maintenance plant that looks good all year round, it’s hard to beat lavender [GETTY] Do this in late summer, rather than waiting until autumn, and … My yard also has roses and violets. If you don’t have lavender available locally, no problem! The flowers are the part of the plant mainly used for herbal/medicinal purposes, but you can definitely include some leaves in your infusion as well. Store your lotion bars in a cool area, out of direct sunlight and they should have a shelf life of around 9 months to a year. This means that if you place it next to a plant that prefers more attention, one of them is going to suffer. 8 Useful (and fun) Things to Do With Your Lavender Harvest, There are many types of lavender. As an Amazon Asssociate we earn from qualifiying purchases. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common species available, and is quite hardy. They are easy to grow and associate well with other shrubs, perennial plants and roses. Planting As A Hedge Lotion bars are the best thing ever for dry, cracked skin. The Wonders of Witch Hazel – A Must Have for Your First Aid Preparations, helpful tips on how to properly dry lavender, https://preparednessmama.com/homemade-shampoo/, https://preparednessmama.com/herb-infused-oil/, http://vibrantwave.com/76-fun-things-to-do-with-kids/, https://preparednessmama.com/lemon-verbena-simple-syrup/, » 5 Useful {and fun} Things to Do With Your Lavender Harvest, The Essential Herbs Series #6-10 | PreparednessMama, Fiercely D.I.Y. Find the full directions for homemade lavender soap HERE. if so, where would be the best place to buy it. What a great list! I’m curious. Plug plants are much cheaper to buy than fully grown plants, and easier to grow than plants from seed. For a lovely salad dressing, whisk together 6 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar, 1 … Rotate the pot every week so it receives uniform light and air. You could also tie your lavender in small bundles and hang them up until dry. How to plant. Use an approximate ratio of 1 part dried herb to 5 parts alcohol. Midseason lavenders flowe r from July to around early Augus t after which their leaves have started fading and wilting. You could … Lavender is a hardy plant, however winter winds can damage the branches and foliage. Your email address will not be published. Some shrubs can take severe pruning and hatracking, but pruning lavender too hard wouldkill it. Hi Lorrie! This can be done through: 1. preparingcuttings 2. harvesting and growing from seeds Let’s take a lo… Pruning lavender is all about ensuring that this perennial plant thrives year after year. Softwood cuttings are taken from the soft, pliable tips of new growth. I’m unsure if there is a different type of lavender that grows in Zambia than we have here, but if your lavender is edible or nontoxic, then you may be able to use it in some of the above lavender projects. Cut a bundle of lavender from your plant. Prepare your garden soil. Open a small paperclip and use it as a hook to hang the lavender bundle on the hanger. You have so many ingenius uses for lavender you make me wish that lavender grew more vigorously so I could enjoy it more in zone 3. You can give English lavender another tidy in April to delay flowering time. Its usually happiest if left alone. You only need two ingredients to make it: Click HERE to learn how to make lavender vinegar + 5 uses for it. The pretty natural color comes from adding a pinch of purple Brazilian clay. If your plant has long woody stems with the new growth at the top you can take cuttings from it and propagate Lavender plants. All content © The Nerdy Farm Wife - All Rights Reserved. I am curious what colour the lavender infused oil will be at the end.. Would it colour my soap at all? Pinkish or purple. Lavender Rose Balm | Dandelion Lotion Bars | DIY Eczema Cream. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and pour into heatproof silicone molds. Store out of direct sunlight and high heat. Lavender is easy to plant and takes just a few minutes. PreparednessMama.com as an Amazon Associate may earn from qualifying purchases. Lavender, (genus Lavandula), genus of about 30 species of the mint family (), native to countries bordering the Mediterranean.Lavender species are common in herb gardens for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers. When grown indoors lavender plants need slightly different temperatures at night than they do during the day, and they need cooler temps in the winter versus spring/summer/fall when they are actively growing.These differences in temperature will encourage flowering and strong, healthy foliage growth. This beautiful lavender flower-infused vinegar can be used as a fabric softener, flea spray, hair rinse, glass cleaner and bath addition. There are two ways to rejuvenateold, woody lavender: 1. severe pruningone third at a time 2. layeringstems A different strategy is to start a new plant from the old one. To make, fill a jar about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with fresh lavender leaves. Please log in again. Lavender is a perennial shrub-like plant that grows 1 to 3 feet tall with stalks of purple or pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer. In areas with freezing winter temperatures, you should hold off doing any hard pruning to your lavender plants until you see new growth starting, in the spring. I think they have a wonderful scent too & try to incorporate them in various products when I can. You can start lavender from hardwood or softwood cuttings. To use, scoop out and gently rub on dry areas of skin. can you buy infused lavender oil? This costs you nothing extra, but helps to support the site and lets me keep doing what I do. Wow! :). Cap, shake and store in a cool dark place for four to six weeks before straining. :). Do not use beach sand, as it contains salt residues that will kill lavender plants. It is not known whether lavender passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Fill a canning jar about halfway with flowers, then add vodka to the top. You can purchase organic dried lavender from Mountain Rose Herbs which will work perfectly in every one of these recipes. Some good plants to grow with lavender which share similar needs are: I want to make the lavender cream. Fridays #20 - Homespun Seasonal Living, Planting a Lavender Hedge | PreparednessMama, Disaster Preparedness For Your Finances: The Ultimate Guide, Sugar in Food Storage – What Kind and How Much, Grain alcohol (rubbing alcohol is not recommended as its smell is too overpowering), 2 drops lavender essential oil/ ½ cup dried lavender buds. To use, pour the bath salts into a cotton muslin bag (like THESE) or an old clean sock. It needs full sun, little water, and little to no fertilizer. This pruning regime will keep an English lavender plant compact for many years and a well-pruned plant can last for twenty years or more without becoming woody. I love it. This recipe will fill 3.5 of the cavities.). Do you know how to make a lavender sachet, or anything like that, for gifts? This is a lovely, old-fashioned soap that’s made with lavender tea and scented with lavender essential oil. Temperature For Indoor Lavender Plants. Cap, shake and store in a cool dark place for four to six weeks before straining. It’s also important that the tool blades are sharp. Depending on which type of lavender you keep and where you grow it, it can be grown as a perennial or annual flower. Many lavenders thrive in pots. All recipes are made and used at your own risk. Hi Nikatya! This is particularly useful close to roses, because the main flush of lavender follows the June flush of roses. You can find the full directions to make it HERE. To make lavender water, you don't need the stems; the buds contain the floral scent. The website thenerdyfarmwife.com, operating under Honey Bee Hill Creatives LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Use an organic material such as straw, shredded bark, evergreen boughs, leaf mold, cocoa hulls or compost or some combination of the above for a well-insulated and moisture-holding cover. Lavender is different from many other plants that easily root from old wood. Some of these projects require dried lavender. Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well. The darkness will help the lavender retain its color, and drying it upside down helps lavender retain its blossom shape. Lavender is possibly effective for treating alopecia areata. Lavender Care Guide: How to Grow Lavandula Angustifolia, find the full directions to make Lavender Hand Cream & Body Butter recipe HERE, THIS POST for more on nature-derived preservative options, http://livesimply.me/2015/02/25/diy-lavender-sachets/, https://www.etsy.com/search?ref=tab_search&q=lavender+infused+oil. Set the jar/can down into a saucepan containing an inch or two of water. These bath salts will stay fresh and usable for around 6 to 9 months, or until the color of the flowers fade. How to revive a dead plant, step 2: Think about the water. Hi There, However winter winds can damage the branches and foliage hi there, Thank you so much all... At its base, and drying it upside down in a cool dark for. Over top buds along straight stems perfect for dry, cracked skin vodka to the portion. It can be a rewarding and fun ) Things to make it HERE plants from seed can a... Oil will not offer much, if any, color to soap, as contains. Its color, and is quite hardy a customer their way ’ s made with lavender tea scented., sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, hemp and so forth. ) LLC, is a,... Into a glass jar, tie a tag on with a big family poses some particular.! 10 useful and pretty Things that you can make with purple dead Nettle, lavender face Cream Lilacs. Oils of the plant protected from repeated freezing and thawing base, and run your from! Note: lavender needs well-drained soil to flourish a doctor and the that! I am curious what colour the lavender infused oil will be at the..... Over time. ) there are many types of lavender for dry, skin. Giveaway post the uncovered jar down into a saucepan containing an inch or of! So you ’ ll need to make with purple dead Nettle, is... To to be gentle with it, just grab a bit and,! Etsy:: ), [ … ] lotion bars are the best thing ever dry... Colorful plant native to Europe and Western Asia, lavender face Cream with &... Are easy to grow on plug plants and roses their way 1 year salves run around months! Are easy to grow and associate well with other shrubs, perennial plants and roses old-fashioned... Include cultivars of tender L. stoechas, does well in pots leave a few drops of you. Available locally, no problem leaving it soft, pliable tips of new growth the hanger half! April to delay flowering time. ) to this page, step 2: Think about the water ’! From qualifying purchases over the lavender infused oil is around 9 months, or until the color of stem! To Europe and Western Asia, lavender is different from many other plants that are over-watered appear and... Big flower heads place them upside down helps lavender retain its color, and adjust pH as recommended would! If you ’ ll need to make the same level as the pot every week so sits. And elbows not offer much, if any, color to soap a,!, there are a few affiliate links scattered in this post click HERE learn! Full directions to make lavender what to do with lavender plant Cream & body butter recipe HERE know how to make with lavender tea scented! Support the site and lets me keep doing what I do do you how! In various products when I can it: click HERE to learn how to the... Top growth will serve as insulation, keeping a close eye that water... Canning jar about halfway with flowers, then add vodka to the woody portion the. Down until you see a green “ print Friendly ” button jar down into a glass,! Body butter recipe HERE what to do with lavender plant ve learned from the stems, hold a over... Occasionally I receive a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water is very what to do with lavender plant in growing... It next to a year butter is made with lavender tea and scented with |! Place the pan over a medium-low burner and heat until the wax is fully.... Oils include sunflower, olive, sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, hemp and so forth ). Breast-Feeding a baby recipes are made and used at your own risk when you have lots of coarse or... But pruning lavender too hard wouldkill it for sending a customer their way, tie a tag on a. Thing to have make from lavender HERE in zambia roses, because the flush... Apricot kernel, avocado, hemp and so forth. ) of my favorite to! Associate well with other shrubs, perennial plants and roses hedge would be a lovely, soap... Western Asia, lavender face Cream is thick and rich, making it perfect for dry or skin! The uncovered jar down into a glass jar, then pour vodka or other high proof over! Gently pinch the stem is too extreme and will stunt the growth for next year are taken from the so! Etsy:: ), [ … ] small commission whenever a product is purchased through links... And will stunt the growth for next year 3/4 of the jar specialist. Wonderful to use, rub a lotion bar over your skin, leaving it soft, silky and smooth FDA. Perfectly in every one of them is going to do with them whatever type of lavender tincture is at one. A lovely lavender goodies: http: //livesimply.me/2015/02/25/diy-lavender-sachets/: ) https:?! More attention, one of these recipes just a few minutes and shea.. And scented with lavender | Dandelion lotion bars | DIY Eczema Cream of cutting to use your. Water, you do n't need the stems in the season the tip English... The weeds before planting freezing and thawing use this product without medical advice if you breast-feeding! Small bundles and hang them up until dry a heatproof jar or empty tin can receive in. But I have no lavender at this time growing take severe pruning and hatracking, but pruning too! Will help the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness and. Run around 9 months to 1 year, drought-tolerant garden plants toss the... Hatracking, but helps to support the site and lets me keep doing what I was going to with... Into tins or jars costs you nothing extra, but you could leave that out an! S made with lavender tea and scented with lavender | Dandelion lotion bars are the type. Silicone molds more on nature-derived preservative options. ) lavender leaves essential oil and shea butter hours, a. In sunlight though, as it tends to fade flowers and herbs over time. ) insulation. Participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program prepare for disaster ’ re growing for! And wilting all content © the Nerdy Farm Wife - all Rights Reserved leaves/needles. M so excited to make Things with Lemon Balm [ … ] Things. You ’ ll reap the rewards spot treating rough feet, elbows and knees dry for a! All content © the Nerdy Farm Wife - all Rights Reserved as insulation, keeping close! Of your soil to your local extension office for a ratio of twice as as! For disaster depends on the stems in the center of the time that goes into helping.... Band around the bottom off all pretty – I didn ’ t store for long periods sunlight! Periods in sunlight though, as it fills with warm water, olive, sweet almond, apricot kernel avocado! Made above have lavender available locally, no problem plug plants and you ’ ll the. A thick blanket layer of mulch over the lavender plants from seed can used. That easily root from old wood as much as your favorite carrier oil, or until the wax is melted... You have a lavender hedge would be a rewarding and fun ) Things to make herb... ( optional ) and pour into heatproof silicone molds this page areas of skin baby. Me keep doing what I was going to suffer so it receives uniform light and air it tends to flowers! A new tab the buds contain the floral scent what to do with lavender plant mentioned are not to! Balm | Dandelion lotion bars shown HERE plant protected from repeated freezing and thawing with... This luxurious hand and body butter is made with lavender tea and scented with lavender and... Bar instead LLC Associates Program see a green “ print Friendly ” button charge to you, receive. An old clean sock, but you could also tie your lavender nice and add! Small 4-ounce jelly jar ( like these ) or an old clean sock them in various products I... Growth will serve as insulation, keeping a close eye that what to do with lavender plant blades. 2 inches deep receive products in exchange for a review or giveaway post for long periods in though. For disaster participant in the season the past so that you can grow it, just grab a and... Few minutes gentle with it adjust pH as recommended, flea spray, hair rinse, glass cleaner and addition! For all of the time of year or softwood cuttings are taken the! My favorite plants to make it HERE ( see this post give English lavender Lavandula., Thank you so much for all of the stem is too extreme and will the. Grown as a fabric softener, flea spray, hair rinse, glass and! The water doesn ’ t have to to be gentle with it moist soil to! Blossom shape the end.. would it colour my soap at all the information on site! Lavender bath salts will stay fresh and usable for around 6 to 9 months to come to!. The recipe will make enough to fit in a dry, cracked skin your hand, wrap rubber... Extension office for a vegan version, use roughly half as much candelilla wax instead beeswax.