April 25, 2023
Once the barn and general landscaping is completed, our next plan of action will be to plant a few acres of Lavender.
Lavender is a wonderful crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and soils, making it a popular choice for many in Virginia. Lavender plants are easy to grow, but they do require some specific conditions for optimal growth and yield.
We consulted a few experts on the steps to preparing a few acres of lavender on Blossom Ridge.
The first step in planting lavender is selecting the right location. Lavender plants thrive in full sun, so we will choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Lavender does not like wet feet, so we have to make sure the soil has good drainage and avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging.
Once we have chosen the right location, it's time to prepare the soil. Lavender plants prefer loose, well-draining soil with good aeration. To improve the soil structure, we will add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, (many cow farmers in the area.) But we will also add a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote root growth.
When it comes to planting lavender, we have learned that spacing is key. Lavender plants should be spaced 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent overcrowding. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and plant the lavender at the same depth as it was in the container. We will make sure we water the plants thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Once our lavender plants are in the ground, our family knows it is important to care for them properly. Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering to thrive.
In addition to watering, lavender plants benefit from regular pruning. We will have pruning parties with the family in the spring to remove any dead wood and shape the plant. After the first year, we can also prune the plants after they have finished blooming to promote bushier growth.
Planting lavender on our farm will be a dream, their beautiful purple colors and they will fill the air with wonderful scents. The bees will love them and we can add lavender to the honey as well.
Once the lavender crops are in full bloom, we will welcome visitors to visit Blossom Ridge and cut fresh Lavender and our Lavender honey.
We hope to have stunning fields of lavender for years to come!