Latest news with #CelebratedHerb
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Lavender 'blooms and looks amazing' when fed one homemade fertiliser
Lavender is a staple in British gardens - the hardy perennial herb is loved for its delicate purple blooms and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies Lavender remains a firm favourite among gardeners, not only for its stunning appearance and delightful scent but also for its simplicity of cultivation, provided it receives proper nourishment. The ideal time to plant lavender is April or May, when frost poses minimal threat to the roots, allowing the plant sufficient opportunity to establish itself before the summer arrives. Stephanie LeBlanc, a gardening specialist and founder of Celebrated Herb, revealed that while growing lavender is simple, the secret to maintaining them "healthy, blooming and looking amazing all year round" depends on the "right fertiliser". The expert shared the best type of fertiliser to use, and it's an easy-to-make homemade mix. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in their garden bins, as you could face punishment. Stephanie explained the benefits of a homemade fertiliser: "Organic fertilisers, such as composted manure, worm castings, and bone meal, are excellent choices because they provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients and improve soil structure. "These organic materials can be added to the soil or used as a top dressing to provide a slow release of nutrients to the plant's root zone.", reports the Express. Nevertheless, you don't need to splash out on fertiliser for your lavender plants. This herb can flourish using kitchen waste, offering an economical feeding alternative. Stephanie recommended: "Lavender plants do not require a lot of nutrients, you can still use some kitchen scraps to provide them with additional nourishment." Should you wish to give your lavender an extra lift, use preserved vegetable waste such as carrot tops or lettuce leaves to create your own homemade compost. The expert observed that gardeners can "simply layer the scraps with dry leaves and grass clippings in a compost bin and wait for it to decompose into rich compost." Furthermore, banana peels are frequently a garden's hidden treasure, particularly beneficial for lavender and countless other plants owing to their elevated potassium levels, a vital nutrient for flowering specimens. All you need to do is chop up the banana skins and nestle them around the base of your lavender plants; it's a clever method to guarantee they thrive with energy. Searching for the ideal DIY fertiliser to boost your lavender? Well, Stephanie has devised a "simple recipe" for a homemade mixture that pledges, not only to stimulate flower production, but also to improve soil health, addressing the frequently overlooked problem of inadequate soil quality and drainage that hinders lavender development. The gardening expert Stephaine commented: "This fertiliser provides magnesium and sulphur from the Epsom salt, alkalises the soil with baking soda, and supplies additional nutrients with the fish emulsion." Here's everything you need: One gallon of water One tablespoon of Epsom salt One tablespoon of baking soda One tablespoon of fish emulsion Method: Simply mix together the ingredients in a bucket or watering can, ensuring they blend into a consistent solution Apply it to the base of the lavender, avoiding the plant's foliage, followed by normal watering. Gardeners are advised not to overfeed lavender, but a single nourishment at the start of its growth can spark blossoms. Stephanie added: "It's important to note that lavender plants do not require heavy fertilisation, so use this homemade fertiliser sparingly, once every few months. Over-fertilising can actually harm plants."
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Lavender is bigger and healthier if kitchen scrap is sprinkled in soil
Lavender plants are easy to care for, but there's one thing you can add to the soil to help the blooms grow bigger and healthier - and you probably have some in the kitchen Lavender doesn't just look stunning and emit a gorgeous scent – it's also easy to maintain, making it a green-thumbed favourite for both its beauty and practical uses in the kitchen or for crafty sachet-making. While these fragrant shrubs thrive in poor soil, a small sprinkle of coffee grounds can give the plant a nudge towards a spectacular flowering season. That's according to the green-finger experts at World Day, who said: "The slight acidity and nitrogen content in coffee grounds, when used sparingly, can stimulate them to bloom bigger and healthier." Coffee grounds act like a slow-feed snack, spreading out nitrogen and other nutrients bit by bit. It's ideal for lavender, which doesn't do well with overfeeding, providing just enough power for its growth without going overboard, reports the Express. The gardening experts noted: "I've seen lavender plants produce up to 30% more blooms when treated with coffee grounds compared to untreated plants. The difference is remarkable." Stephanie from the home-grown blog Celebrated Herb is also championing the use of leftover coffee grinds on your lavender. She described coffee leftovers as an "excellent" supplier of nitrogen – a key nutrient needed for overall plant life. But it's not just lavender that can benefit from this handy hack; your hydrangeas and roses will thank you with brighter, more colourful displays too. Simply scatter a bit of coffee grounds around the base of your plants and mix them into the soil. Or you can add a layer of well-decomposed compost around the plant's base, allowing the nutrients to seep into the soil post-watering. After sprinkling coffee grounds, you should see improved blooms within four to six weeks. The plants will sprout stronger stems, and larger flower heads that are more vibrant.
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Lavender 'blooms brilliantly' if you avoid common watering mistake in summer
Lavender is a popular plant for summer gardens, thanks to its highly fragrant blooms, but gardeners need to be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can attract pests and disease Lavender becomes a gardener's favourite in summer, with its vibrant, intensely scented blossoms that burst into bloom when cared for right. However, many green-fingered enthusiasts unwittingly overwater their plants during the warm season - an error particularly detrimental to drought-loving lavender that thrives in naturally arid Mediterranean soils. Gardening expert and Celebrated Herb founder Stephanie Leblanc has pointed out that not knowing how to water lavender correctly can draw pests and diseases in hotter climes. She warned: "Lavender plants like to be watered deeply and thoroughly, but it's important to avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can promote the growth of fungal diseases. "Instead, water the soil around the plant, aiming to keep the roots moist." The key is to drench the lavender thoroughly, promoting root development deep within the soil, while carefully avoiding a sodden environment, reports the Express. Stephanie emphasised: "When watering, make sure the water runs through the soil and does not sit in water. Lavender plants prefer well-draining soil, so it's essential to avoid overwatering and ensure the soil has good drainage." During bouts of hot, parched weather, it's advisable to soak the ground deeply - about six to eight inches - to ascertain that the earth remains moist without being overwhelmed. Should the lavender's lower leaves turn yellow, it may signal overhydration, which can precipitate root rot, mould or even fungal maladies. To prevent overwatering, it's crucial to check that the soil has dried out a bit before giving your plants another drink. If you find the soil is still quite damp, then it's best to wait a few days before watering again. Yet, it's equally vital to ensure the soil remains somewhat moist, as lavender is prone to drying out, leading to brittle leaves, drooping stems, and a disappointing absence of blooms. Striking the right balance with lavender's hydration needs means always testing the soil prior to watering and sticking to a weekly schedule of morning waterings for optimal results. Stephaine advised: "Lavender plants should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the moisture content of the soil. "Additionally, for outdoor growing lavender, it's a good practice to water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before the heat of the day." Morning watering sessions give the soil ample time to gradually dry throughout the day, preventing waterlogging, while the cooler temperatures minimise evaporation, allowing the roots more time to soak up the water. Proper watering techniques will alleviate heat stress during the summer months and enable the roots to take in more nutrients, fostering a rapid growth of vibrant flowers that will keep your garden looking splendid.
