Are you familiar with the feeling of going through all the work of planting and taking care of your lavender only to have it die when the winter comes around? That’s a common problem, but luckily there are a few simple tricks to keeping your lovely lavender alive all winter long.
As the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter, many plants go dormant to protect themselves from the cold. If you don’t take precautions, the freezing weather can cause damage to your lavender, resulting in death or a less vibrant growth in the following season. But don’t worry, with these overwintering lavender quick tips, your lavender will remain healthy and vigorous year-round.
Detailed discussion on overwintering lavender quick tips
1. Inspect Your Lavender Plants
Before you do anything, check for any signs of pests or diseases on your lavender plants. It is important to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant, as they can harbour fungi and other harmful pathogens that can kill your lavender plants. Remember to discard all infected plant parts and not add them to your compost pile.
2. Prune Your Lavender
After inspecting your plants, you should prune them. To leave adequate growth for the plant to survive the winter, cut back the top one-third of the growth of your lavender plants, ideally in late summer or early fall. Otherwise, if you live in an area with mild winters, it’s okay to wait until early spring to prune them. You don’t have to worry about this step for dwarf or compact lavenders. For all lavenders, remember to cut the plant down to just above the green leaves and avoid cutting into the woody portion of the stem.
3. Create Soil Mounds Around Your Plants
To prevent your lavender from being exposed to the cold, create soil mounds around them. Cover about two-thirds of the base of your lavender plant with well-draining soil up to the first set of leaves, leaving only the top third of the plant exposed. This method protects the roots of your lavender from frost and ensures that the plant remains healthy and vigourous until the spring.
4. Cover Your Lavender Plants
It is important that lavender plants are kept dry during the winter months, so be sure to cover your plants with a frost cover or burlap. Avoid using plastic tarps, as they can trap moisture around your plant, which can lead to disease. Remember to remove the covers during the day to let the sun shine and protect the plants at night before a frost occurs. This not only helps to protect your lavender but also helps to conserve warmth and moisture, leading to healthier plants.
Concluding thoughts on overwintering lavender quick tips
Overwintering lavender can be tricky, but with these quick tips, it is possible to keep your plants healthy all winter long. The key is to start conserving the energy of the plant and protecting it early enough before the first frost. With these simple steps, you can have a flourishing lavender plant year-round.
FAQs about overwintering lavender quick tips
Q: Do all lavender plants need pruning before winter?
A: Pruning only applies to larger lavender plants. Dwarf and compact lavender plants don’t require pruning before winter.
Q: Is it okay if snow covers my lavender plants?
A: Yes, snow can act as an insulator in the cold. However, if snow accumulates on the branches, it can cause them to break, injuring the plant. In this case, remove the snow immediately.
Q: Should I fertilize my lavender plants before winter?
A: Fertilization is unnecessary before winter, as it can encourage new growth, making the plant more vulnerable to frost damage.
Q: What is the best time to transplant lavender plants?
A: Transplant lavender in early spring, after the last frost has passed.
In conclusion, taking care of your lavender plants is an excellent way of ensuring they live long and healthy lives. Follow these overwintering lavender quick tips and protect your plants from the cold, ensuring they grow strong and beautiful year-round.
