Lavender, a favourite among gardeners for its beauty and fragrance, can bloom all year with the right fertiliser, according to gardening expert Stephaine LeBlanc. She recommends a simple homemade mix using baking soda, Epsom salt, and fish emulsion to boost flowering and improve soil health.
LeBlanc, founder of Celebrated Herb, explained that lavender does not need heavy feeding. Over-fertilising can harm the plants. Her recipe combines Epsom salt for magnesium and sulphur, baking soda to alkalise the soil, and fish emulsion for additional nutrients. The mixture should be applied sparingly, once every few months, around the base of the plants.
For a cost-effective option, gardeners can use kitchen scraps. Vegetable peelings, banana peels, and other organic waste can be composted or placed directly around lavender plants. Banana peels, rich in potassium, are particularly beneficial for flower production.
LeBlanc emphasised that organic fertilisers like composted manure, worm castings, and bone meal are excellent choices. They provide balanced nutrients and improve soil structure. However, lavender thrives on minimal feeding, so a single application at the start of the growing season can be sufficient for vibrant blooms.
