Dreaming in Lavender: Learning as We Grow
Lavender is one of those plants I’ve always admired. On our farm, I’ve tucked a few plants here and there among the flowers, but I haven’t yet dedicated a full section to lavender rows. Still, the more I learn, the more I imagine what that space could look like: neat purple waves buzzing with bees, bundles hanging to dry, the fragrance carried across the field.
This blog isn’t about me having it all figured out—it’s about learning, experimenting, and sharing the process along the way. So if you’ve ever dreamed about planting lavender, here’s what I’ve gathered so far about what it takes to start, grow, and (someday!) harvest.
Why Lavender Speaks to Me (and Maybe You Too)
It’s beautiful but practical.
Bees and pollinators love it (which means healthier gardens). Learn more in this pollinator-friendly plants guide
Once established, lavender is tough and low-maintenance. How to Grow Lavender
The uses are endless: dried bundles, sachets, teas, or just a vase of fresh stems on the table. DIY projects for lavender use
That balance of beauty + utility is what makes me want to commit to rows in the future.
Starting Small: What I’ve Learned from Planting a Few
My few plants tucked along the flower rows have already taught me a lot:
They crave sunlight—the ones shaded by taller plants don’t thrive.
Drainage is everything—lavender hates wet soil. Even though our soil is rich and dark, where we plant can get very wet at times, so making sure water drains well is key to keeping plants healthy.
Pruning matters—if you don’t cut them back, they get woody and sparse.
It’s been a reminder that even a small start can teach you valuable lessons before you commit to a full field.
Planning for Lavender Rows
If (when!) I do start a lavender patch, here’s the advice I’ve gathered:
Spacing: 2–3 feet apart, with rows 3–4 feet wide to allow airflow and walking space.
Soil prep: Mix in sand and compost if you’ve got heavy soil. Raised rows or mounds can also help drainage.
Best varieties for our zone (6b–7a): English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most reliable and winter-hardy.
Harvest & Use (Looking Ahead)
I may not have bundles drying yet, but I’ve done my homework. When the time comes:
Harvest in the morning once dew is gone, when about half the flowers on a stalk are open.
Tie in small bunches and hang in a cool, dark spot for 7–10 days.
Use for sachets, bouquets, sugar infusions, or even farm stand sales.
Living & Learning
This farm has taught me that you don’t have to wait until you’re “ready” to start. Sometimes you start small—planting just a few here and there—and those experiments become the best teachers. Lavender rows may still be in my future, but for now, I’m enjoying learning from the handful of plants I’ve got.
And maybe that’s the real joy of farming: not just the harvest, but the process of growing right alongside your plants.
Hi, I’m Carie!
I’m a Missouri flower grower with a love for turning soil, seeds, and sunshine into armfuls of blooms. On our family farm, I spend my days growing dahlias, zinnias, and all the little flowers that make each season feel special. Gardening isn’t always perfect—sometimes it’s messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons—but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
Through this blog, I share stories from the garden, tips for growing cut flowers, and a peek into life on the farm here in the Midwest. My hope is to encourage you to dig in, grow something beautiful, and enjoy the simple joys that flowers bring.
