Lavender cultivation: the secrets of successful breeding of fragrant beauties in the home garden
The scent of lavender can be transferred to sunny Provence without leaving the boundaries of its own plot. This exquisite perennial with purple inflorescences attracts not only with its smell, but also with its elegant appearance.Lavender cultivation is becoming increasingly popular among amateur gardeners. The plant is unpretentious, but requires certain conditions for successful growth. The right approach to planting and care will allow you to create a real Mediterranean corner on the site, filled with a magical aroma and bright colors.Choosing a location and preparing the soil for planting lavender, Lavender prefers sunny, open areas with good drainage. The soil should be light, sandy or sandy loam, with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for growing this crop.Before planting, the soil must be carefully prepared. The site is cleared of weeds, dug up and sand is added to improve drainage. Lime or dolomite flour is added to acidic soils to neutralize the pH.The optimal time to plant lavender is spring or early autumn. In spring planting, the plants have time to take root well before the onset of heat, and in autumn - before frost.The rules of planting and the basics of lavender care should be 30-40 cm apart between lavender bushes. The holes are excavated to a depth of about 30 cm. A drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay 5-7 cm thick is poured onto the bottom.The seedlings are carefully placed in the holes, covered with soil and lightly tamped. After planting, the plants are watered abundantly. In the future, watering is carried out moderately, preventing stagnation of water.Lavender does not require frequent fertilizing. It is enough to apply complex fertilizers for flowering plants once a month during the period of active growth. Excess nitrogen can lead to excessive overgrowth of the green mass to the detriment of flowering.Pruning plays an important role in shaping a beautiful lavender bush. In spring, dry and damaged shoots are removed, and after flowering, sanitary pruning is carried out, shortening the shoots by a third of their length.Protecting lavender from pests and diseases Lavender is highly resistant to most pests and diseases. However, under unfavorable conditions, the plant may be attacked by aphids or suffer from fungal infections.To prevent pests, lavender bushes are regularly inspected and, if necessary, treated with insecticides. Copper-based drugs are effective against fungal diseases.It is important to ensure good air circulation between plants, avoid thickening plantings and excessive watering. These measures significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases.Mulching the soil around lavender bushes with small pebbles or crushed stone helps to retain moisture and prevents rotting of the root neck of the plant.Growing lavender is an exciting process that, with the right approach, will bring a lot of positive emotions. Fragrant bushes will decorate any garden, and the collected flowers will find use in cooking, aromatherapy and the manufacture of natural cosmetics. برومو كود رهان مجاني 1xbet