Farm Journal  ·  September 7, 2023

Is Your Lavender Ready for Winter?

It's that time of year again!

Preparing lavender plants for winter is essential to ensure their survival during the colder months. Lavender is generally hardy, but in some regions with harsh winters (like zone 5a where we are), a little extra care can go a long way.

Here's how to get your lavender plants ready for winter:

Pruning:

• Prune your lavender plants in late summer or early fall, 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Remove any dead or woody growth, as this can trap moisture and encourage rot during the winter. Trim the plant back by about one-third to one-half of its height. Be sure not to cut into any hard wood growth.

Watering:

• Reduce watering in late summer and fall to allow the lavender plants to enter a dormant state. Lavender prefers well-drained soil and doesn't tolerate soggy conditions well. Ensure the soil is dry before the first frost to prevent root rot.

Winter Protection:

• In regions with severe winters, consider providing additional protection for your lavender plants. You can use burlap or a frost cloth to cover the plants during extremely cold periods. Remove the coverings during the day to allow air circulation. On our farm, there is typically enough snow pack (and too many plants and too much wind) that I don't cover our lavender field, but for a small home garden, it may be worth considering.

Container Lavender:

• If you're growing lavender in containers, move the pots to a sheltered location, like a garage or shed, before the first hard frost. Container plants are more susceptible to cold damage because their roots are exposed to colder temperatures. Remember that the plants need to go dormant (below 50 degrees F for at least 6 weeks), so be careful they won't stay too warm.

In the Spring, it will be time to prune! Once the risk of frost has passed, lightly prune your lavender plants again to shape them and encourage new growth. Be careful not to cut too much into old wood, as lavender may not sprout from bare branches.

And finally, monitor your plants. Keep an eye on your lavender plants during the winter, especially after heavy snow or ice storms. Brush off snow to prevent it from weighing down the plant and causing damage. If you notice any branches or stems damaged by cold, prune them away in the spring.

By following these steps, you can help your lavender plants survive the winter and thrive when warmer weather returns. Lavender is a hardy plant, and with the right care, it can continue to provide you with its fragrant blooms and foliage year after year.