Lavender farms dot Washington’s landscape with their stunning purple blooms and heavenly scent. As summer fades and fall approaches, these hardy plants need special attention to survive our wet, chilly Pacific Northwest winters.
Taking time now to prepare your lavender ensures beautiful blooms next year and extends the life of these beloved plants.
1. Prune With Purpose
Late summer to early fall marks the perfect window for pruning Washington lavender. Grab sharp, clean shears and trim back about one-third of the plant’s height, avoiding cuts into the woody stems where new growth won’t return.
Focus on creating a rounded, compact shape that stands up better to our wet winter weather. A well-pruned lavender plant channels energy into root strength rather than maintaining excessive foliage during dormancy.
2. Mulch Mindfully
Gravel or pea stone makes ideal mulch for lavender beds in Washington’s damp climate. Unlike organic materials that trap moisture against stems, stone mulch improves drainage while protecting roots from temperature fluctuations.
Apply a 2-inch layer around plants, keeping it slightly away from stems to prevent rot. The light-colored stones reflect heat during shorter fall days and help dry excess moisture from our notorious Pacific Northwest rain.
3. Harvest Final Blooms
September offers one last chance to gather those fragrant stems before Washington’s rainy season arrives. Cut lavender stems in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated, bundling them with twine for hanging.
Look for stems where flowers have just opened for the strongest scent. Drying these final harvests provides material for sachets and potpourri that bring lavender’s calming properties indoors during gloomy winter months.
4. Divide Overgrown Plants
Fall presents the perfect opportunity to divide mature lavender plants that have become woody in the center. Using a sharp spade, split the plant into sections, discarding the unproductive middle portion while keeping outer segments with fresh growth.
Replant these divisions promptly in well-draining soil amended with compost. Dividing every 3-4 years rejuvenates lavender, especially important in Washington where wet conditions can cause center die-out.
5. Improve Drainage Systems
Lavender absolutely hates wet feet, making good drainage critical before Washington’s rainy season begins. Consider raising beds by adding coarse sand and small gravel to existing soil, creating mounds that shed water away from plant crowns.
For container plants, drill extra drainage holes and elevate pots on feet or bricks. Smart gardeners even install French drains near lavender beds to channel away excess moisture during our notoriously wet fall and winter months.
6. Apply Lime Treatment
Washington’s naturally acidic soils benefit from a fall application of garden lime around lavender plants. Sprinkle agricultural lime around the drip line, using about one cup per established plant, then water lightly to help it penetrate.
The lime slowly raises soil pH to the alkaline conditions lavender prefers. Fall application gives lime time to work its magic before spring growth begins, creating the Mediterranean-like soil chemistry these plants crave despite our Pacific Northwest conditions.
7. Create Wind Barriers
Fall brings gusty weather to many Washington regions, potentially damaging lavender’s brittle branches. Setting up simple burlap screens or small fences on the windward side protects plants without trapping moisture.
Cedar stakes with garden fabric stretched between them work wonderfully. Unlike complete covers that promote fungal issues, these strategic barriers block damaging wind while allowing air circulation – crucial balance in our humid fall climate where both wind and moisture pose threats.
8. Clean Garden Debris
Fallen leaves and dead plant material become problematic around lavender bases once Washington’s rains begin. Rake away all debris from lavender beds before October downpours, preventing moisture-trapping material from causing stem rot.
Pay special attention to the crown area where stems meet roots. A clean garden bed also reduces hiding spots for slugs and snails that thrive in our damp conditions. These pests rarely damage healthy lavender but can destroy young plants or fresh growth.
9. Hold Off On Fertilizer
Resist the urge to feed lavender as fall approaches in Washington. Unlike many garden plants, lavender performs best with minimal nutrients, especially as it prepares for dormancy.
Late fertilizing promotes tender new growth that won’t survive winter. Instead, focus on light applications of bone meal which supports root development without pushing leafy growth. Save your main fertilizing for early spring when plants can use that energy for the growing season ahead.