- 1). Plant lavender in a well-drained, slightly sandy bed that receives at least eight hours of daily sunlight in summer. Work 1 to 3 inches of milled sphagnum moss into the soil prior to planting to improve drainage in heavy soils.
- 2). Spread 2 inches of mulch over the bed and around the plants, leaving a 2-inch space between the mulch and main stems of the lavender. Mulch prevents weed growth near the plants, as lavender doesn't tolerate root competition.
- 3). Water plants every two weeks when they aren't in flower but when the foliage is actively growing. Provide approximately 1 inch of water or enough water to moisten the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Water twice weekly when the lavender is in bloom.
- 4). Pull any weeds around the lavender plant as soon as you notice them. Keep the area within 2 feet of the lavender shrub free of any competing plants.
- 5). Prune lavender in early spring when new growth first emerges. Remove up to 1/3 of the plant's height and shape it as desired with shears. Cut flower spikes off at the base after blooming, or cut off the flower spikes at the height of bloom to dry them or display them in arrangements.
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