Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Turn back the clock and bring in some fragrance
We likely all enjoyed that extra hour of sleep! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…….
However, covid or not, we’re coming indoors due to changing weather. I brought in my rosemary and lavender too. What about YOU?
My suggestion is to choose ‘French’ lavender. Among the different varieties, it’s the most tolerant of indoor conditions in our cold dark winters and is smaller. ‘English’ lavender is more fragrant.
If you buy it already potted, then be sure the pot drains well. Place it in a southern window to get as much light as possible. But you may also need to supplement with a grow light. Although Lavender can tolerant some cooler temps, it really does like heat. You can spend anywhere from $12 to $65 for a grow light. I suggest the cheaper one and see how it works.
A no-no is too much water!!! Let the plant dry out between waterings and give it plenty of air circulation. Here’s more information from Apartment Therapy on growing lavender indoors.
If you don’t have enough natural light, fluorescent light is a good supplement. Rosemary does NOT want to dry out before watering. Instead, let the top soil dry out to your first knuckle then water till it drains out the bottom. Do NOT overwater! Check out The Spruce for more.
Pests usually only invade an already weakened plant, so if you take care of your rosemary, you shouldn’t have pests. Wellness Mama has tons of info the numerous health benefits of rosemary.
Another problem with rosemary is powdery mildew. Air circulation is essential. Set a small fan to blow a light breeze by your plant.
My sister is allergic to many perfumes and can’t hardly stand the smell of some of our more overpowering fragrant plants such as hyacinth, another popular indoor plant.
