Hope Springs Eternal

Well, it's that time again ... time to plant the lavender. I may be a wonderful aromatherapist (if I may say so myself!) but a gardener, I'm not. But it's just not Spring until I plant my lavender. This year, however, I'm ditching the outdoors and planting my new Provencal Lavender (Lavender Augustafolia) inside. I'm told that the French variety is less aromatic, but is best for growing indoors. And since the summers are too brutal and eventually have killed my past plantings, I'm hoping planting for my kitchen counter location will reap healthier results. And the leaves will be very handy for adding to salads or grilled chicken this summer. For those of you wanting to follow along, here are tips for growing this gorgeous plant indoors successfully.

1. Plant in a roomy pot so as not to crowd your new plant. I use Miracle Gro potting soil, but experts say to also throw in a handful of sand and lime. 

2. Let it dry out between waterings. (I always overwater ... I'm learning to be more patient and a little less generous with the water.)

3. Place in well-ventilated area where your new plant will get some fresh air and in a sunny location of bright daylight, such as a window sill.

4. Late summer, place a sunny, sheltered location for a few weeks to stimulate new growth and "air it out."