Container gardening is an exclusive gardening type that allows you to grow plants in a limited space, even if you live in an urban area. One of the most popular plant types to grow in containers is lavender. Lavender is an herb known for its fragrant scent and soothing properties. It’s also among the easiest herb varieties to grow, and it’s the perfect plant for container gardening. In this article, we will explore the essential aspects of container gardening lavender, from selecting your container to caring for your plant.
Selecting the Right Container
The first step in container gardening lavender is choosing the right container. It’s essential to select a pot with good drainage to prevent overwatering, which is a common issue with container gardening. Lavender prefers well-draining soil, so ensure that your container has drainage holes at the bottom. Additionally, your container must be large enough to accommodate the lavender’s root system. A container with a minimum of 12 inches in diameter is ideal for a single lavender plant.
Container Options
Various container options are available for growing lavender in containers, including:
- Terra Cotta pots – this type of container is ideal for lavender as it provides excellent drainage and airflow, essential for plant growth.
- Plastic pots – these are a more affordable option than terra cotta pots, and they are available in different sizes and colors.
- Wooden planters – these add a natural aesthetic to your space and offer good drainage.
Preparing the Soil
The next step in container gardening lavender is preparing the soil. Lavender prefers well-draining, alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Mix your potting soil with coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage. Additionally, incorporate some limestone or oyster shell into the soil to increase the alkalinity. Fill your container with the soil mixture, leaving enough space at the top to plant your lavender.
Soil Mix Recipe
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part coarse sand
- 1 cup limestone or oyster shell per gallon of soil
Planting Lavender
Now that you have selected your container and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your lavender. Start by loosening the lavender’s root ball gently. Place the lavender plant in the container, ensuring that the soil line is level with the top of the root ball. Fill the container with the remaining soil mixture and gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets. Water your lavender immediately after planting and place it in a location that receives six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Watering your Lavender
Watering your lavender is a critical aspect of container gardening. Overwatering is a common issue with container gardening, which can lead to root rot and ultimately kill your plants. Water your lavender when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure that you water the base of the plant rather than the leaves or flowers to prevent fungal growth. Additionally, avoid wetting the leaves, as this can lead to mildew growth.
Watering Tips
- Water your lavender only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil.
- Ensure that your container has proper drainage.
- Water your lavender in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before the evening.
Caring for Your Lavender
Caring for your lavender plant involves pruning, fertilizing, and pest control. Pruning is essential to ensure that your plant grows bushy and healthy. Prune your lavender after it has finished blooming in the summer. Cut back one-third of the plant’s growth, ensuring that you don’t cut into the woody section of the plant. Additionally, fertilize your lavender with a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and once in the summer. Lastly, avoid using pesticides as they can harm pollinators and beneficial insects.
Lavender Care Tips
- Prune your lavender after it has finished blooming in the summer.
- Fertilize your lavender with a balanced fertilizer once in spring and once in summer.
- Avoid using pesticides to prevent harm to pollinators and beneficial insects.
Container gardening lavender is not only a great way to add some greenery to your space; it is also an opportunity to grow your herbs and plants even in limited space. Start your container gardening journey today and grow your lavender in a pot that suits your style.