Learn how and when to harvest and preserve lavender for a multitude of uses.
When we moved into our farmhouse three years ago, we inherited some established fruit trees, flowers and herbs. We were blessed to have the owners before us plant several lavender plants by our deck. Perfect for warding off mosquitoes and smelling beautiful when we walk by.
Lavender is what I call a “jack of all trades”. It has many uses and benefits, and it is so easy to harvest and preserve.
I love having a jar of lavender on hand. I use it to make a cozy winter tea, to add a hint of flavor to baked goods, and to freshen up a room.
Like other herbs, lavender is loaded with good things for your body. Oh my goodness, the list is endless!
Lavender contains iron, vitamins, and calcium. It helps ease migraines, relieve stress, helps with aches and pains, and repels bugs. And these are just a few of the benefits of lavender! Not to mention, it is just plain pretty hanging in the kitchen.
Is it any wonder that something God created would be so healing to the body? The closer we get to nature, the closer we get to better health.
When to harvest lavender
Aah yes, there is a key time to harvest lavender. When the buds have formed, just before it flowers, is a wonderful time to harvest lavender. Why, you ask? Before the flowers burst out, the lavender buds are the most fragrant and easiest to dry.
Don’t worry if you forgot to keep your eye on it and some flowers have formed. It will still be just as useful and still have a wonderful fragrance. But, if you are looking for optimum fragrance, aim to harvest right before the plant flowers.
Alright, lets talk about cutting the lavender. Yep, there is a method here too. Starting from the lavender buds, follow your eyes down to the first set of leaves. Try to cut the stem right above where you see these first set of leaves. This will allow the lavender a chance to produce a second harvest. And we want as much lavender as possible!
How to dry lavender
Once you have harvested the lavender by clipping the stems, it is time to tie this beautiful bundle together with twine. Using the twine, tie a knot at the opposite end of the buds, leaving some extra for hanging. Take the extra bit of twine and tie it around a nail, hook, doorknob, or whatever you have. The bouquet needs to hang upside down until all the buds are dry.
I like to hang it in my kitchen, leaving it there long after it has dried, so that I can gaze at it everyday.
Once the buds are dry, it is time to store the lavender. Rub the ends of the buds over a bowl. They should easily fall into the bowl. After all the buds are off the stems, store them in a jar until ready to use.
Uses for Lavender
Oh the possibilities are endless! Store a small sack of lavender in your drawer to give it a fresh scent, like this handmade lavender sachet from Life at Cloverhill.
Bath soaks are another great way to incorporate lavender. I mean, who wouldn’t want to soak in lavender? Boxwood Avenue has an easy to make Lavender Bath Soak that is sure to soak the stress away.
Or, how about baking with it. Lavender infused scones come to mind, like this Buttermilk Lavender Scones recipe. Yum!
One of my favorite ways to use dried lavender is hot tea. On a cold evening, lavender tea really hits the spot. Just steep a tsp. per cup of hot water for 10 minutes, add a dash of honey, and enjoy.
And let’s not forget decor. I love making lavender wreaths to adorn the house, especially in winter when it feels like you are cooped up inside. Country Peony has an excellent tutorial on a DIY Lavender Whimsical Wreath. Or, use it in a table setting like The Duvall Homestead.
Basically, the sky is the limit with lavender. So go have fun!
~Amanda
