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Re: lavender

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

Actually, lavendar is a great drought tolerant plant here.  My sister
has lots of lavender and waters only once a month, very deeply.  Mine I
water every 5 days.  They like good drainage, but if your drainage isn't
great (like my sisters) plant the lavander on a little raised hill. 
Don't plant other stuff right under the lavender either if drainage is a
problem or you water a lot.  They recommend here to not amend the soil
for plants like lavender, ie not a lot of organic matter as they like a
leaner soil.  I guess it just depends on where you live.

High Country Gardens in New Mexico, which specializes in drought
tolerant plants has this to say about lavender.  "These are sun loving
plants that thrive in hot weather and grow well in the west, in  a wide
range of soils, even compost enriched garden loams, as long as they are
well drained.  Heavy, poorly drained clay soils can be fatal.  

In spring, before the plants begin to show signs of new growth, cut back
the old stems by 1/3 to re-invigorate the plant and encourage a good
show of summer flowers.  Lavender plants require 2 to 3 growing seasons
to reach mature size.

In the Midwest and eastern U.S. it is essential that Lavenders be
planted in the sunniest spot possible in poor, unenriched soil (no
compost).  Planting on a slope or in a raised bed will facilitate
drainage.  Two inches of 3/8" gravel mulch around the crown is
essential.

Lavenders are hardy zones 5-10."

Hope this helps.  Kim, zone 9b, so cal  (I actually grow some lavender
successfully in part shade)

Suzanne Walter wrote:
> 
> Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html
> 
>  >Growing....I have 8 plants and will probably buy more plants....I just want
> >the best environment for them to do well.
> >Since you added that what do you do to get the cuttings to root???
> >
> 
> Well, lavender likes a sunny, well-drained spot with lots of organic
> matter.  Although drainage is important, it likes moist soil -- but will
> survive some drought.  It also tolerates reflected light and heat, and thus
> makes a good edging plant along walkways or sidewalk.
> 
> As far as getting the cuttings to root -- I'm going to try it this fall (I
> live in Florida) when the weather gets nice.  It might be best for you to
> do some other time of the year.  I was told that you cut a 3-4 inch length
> of healthy, leafy stem from just below the tips of recent growth.  Remove
> the leaves from the bottom 1.5 inches.  Treat with a rooting compound (or
> just hope for the best) and insert the bottoms an inch or so into a flay of
> moist vermiculite.  Cover with plastic, then set the flat where it gets
> bright light but no direct sun.  Transplant to containers -- when well
> rooted  -- until they look ready to tolerate your garden space.
> 
> Good Luck,
> Suzanne
> 
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