Beginner Mistakes We See Most Often
Lavender is easy to love—but it’s also easy to accidentally kill. Most problems we see aren’t pests or disease; they’re a few common setup issues. Here are the mistakes we see most often, and what to do instead.
1) Planting lavender in soil that stays wet
Lavender hates “wet feet.” If water sits around the roots, the plant weakens quickly and can rot. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, focus on drainage first—raised beds, mounded rows, and soil that drains fast.
2) Not enough sun
Lavender needs full sun. In partial shade it often becomes leggy, soft, and short-lived. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sun, with good airflow.
3) Overwatering
People love plants by watering them—and lavender doesn’t want that kind of love. Water young plants to establish roots, then reduce watering. Deep and infrequent beats light and frequent every time.
4) Over-fertilizing
Lavender doesn’t need rich soil or heavy feeding. Too much fertilizer can cause fast, weak growth with less fragrance. Focus on sun and drainage.
5) Pruning at the wrong time
Pruning keeps lavender healthy, but timing matters. Cutting too late before cold weather (or too hard into woody stems) can stress the plant. Prune to shape and encourage growth—gently and consistently.
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