Note from the editor - Here it is, the 4th of July already - the middle of another busy summer. Where are those "lazy days of summer" I knew as a child? Don't forget to slow down enough to enjoy some of the simpler things in life such as lavender gardening or possibly a long soak in a lavender bubble bath. Or just visit us at what-about-lavender.com and come up with your own ideas. Enjoy. - Jimmie

Lavender Tip of the Month - Summer is the time for insect bites. Place a drop of Pure Lavender Oil on the bite and it will ease the pain, stop the itch, and promote quick healing.

Feature Article This is Part 2 of a 2 part article on Lavender Plant Care. The first article gave advice on watering, fertilizing, harvesting, and pruning your lavender plant. Here we explain what it takes to protect your plant, how to plant a new lavender in your garden, the ins and outs of transplanting, and how to propagate your lavender plant.

• Protecting - What kind of protection does a lavender plant need? Not much! Lavender loves the sun, so protect it from too much shade. The exception may be potted lavender which will dry out more quickly than lavender planted in the ground. Lavender has too strong of a taste to be bothered by most animals. Insects are also rarely a problem. Protect your lavender plant from overwatering by ensuring that the soil and the area where it is planted has good drainage.

• Planting - Planting a new lavender in the ground is not difficult. Simply combine sand, soil and compost or peat moss in about equal proportions, dig a hole about twice as deep and three times the diameter of the root ball and plant with your soil mixture. Adding some slow release fertilizer and rooting hormone will give your plant a healthy start. Water more than normal for the first couple of weeks and then back off to a normal frequency.

• Transplanting - It is crucial to transplant potted lavender regularly until it is mature to ensure that the roots continually have room to grow. Transplanting a mature plant from one location in the garden to another is more difficult. You must assume that the roots extend at least as far as the longest branches and almost as deep. Dig the plant while disturbing the roots as little as possible and follow the planting directions mentioned above for the new location.

• Propagating - While many lavenders can be propagated with seeds, the easiest way is to take cuttings from a mature plant to start a new one. Cut a soft (not woody) branch about 4 inches (10 cm) from the lower part of the donor plant, peel back the lowest pair of leaves and place in a small pot with a mixture of peat moss and sand or vermiculite. Add some rooting hormone and keep it fairly damp for the first couple of weeks. Transplant to a larger pot in 4-6 weeks.

There are many aspects to lavender plant care, but it is generally very easy. Following these tips will make it possible to Enjoy the beautiful and aromatic blossoms and buds each year, making it well worth the effort.

Lavender Fun Fact - There are many colors of lavender blooms depending on the variety. From deep purple to pink or white.

Click here to purchase Goat's Milk Soap

July Discount