FARMINGTON, Minn. — A lot of people think lavender is a difficult plant to grow in Minnesota, but it really doesn't take much to grow it successfully.
To learn how to keep our lavender plants looking beautiful and feeling healthy all year long, we asked Marie at Farmington's Lavendary Barnyard to share her best tips and tricks.
How much sun exposure does lavender need?:
Marie said lavender loves absolute full sun — "As much sun as physically possible."
What's the best soil to grow it in?
She said soil with a PH of 6.5 is preferable, otherwise, as long as it's well draining they should do fine.
Should I fertilize?
Marie said there's no need.
What about mulch?
Again, Marie said no — specifically, she said, "Absolutely not. Please do not mulch your plants. You will make me sad."
She said the plants need to be in dry, arid and rocky soil and they generally want to be left alone.
How should I care for my lavender plants in the winter?
Marie said she covers her plants with a special agro-fabric, but if you don't have fabric specifically for plants, you can use anything "breathable."
However, still keep in mind they don't like moisture, so don't use covers like leaves or hay.
Marie said burlap is also a good option.
How do I care for my plants once I've harvested?
Before you cover them in the fall, Marie said to cut the plants down by about a third to help shape them and keep them from getting too "leggy." She said she does this about six weeks before frost... which, unfortunately for Minnesotans, usually means sometime around Labor Day weekend.