As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden glow of autumn, our lavender farm enters one of its most important (and often overlooked) seasons: the fall harvest and preparation for winter. This time of year is about more than just winding down; it’s a crucial step in ensuring a healthy, fragrant, and abundant crop next season.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we harvest, plan, and protect our lavender through the fall months and how it all connects back to the products you love.
The Final Harvest: Why It Matters
While many think lavender harvesting ends in midsummer, fall brings a second, smaller harvest, especially in certain climates or for varieties that bloom twice (like Lavandula angustifolia - English). These late-season blooms are often more concentrated in essential oils, making them perfect for:
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Small-batch essential oils
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Handcrafted lavender sachets
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Dried bundles for decor or culinary use
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And yes, your favorite lavender-infused body products
This final harvest helps us make use of every last bit of the plant's energy before it settles in for winter dormancy. Nothing goes to waste!
Pruning: Helping Lavender Come Back Stronger
Post-harvest, we prune our lavender plants carefully. Pruning isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s critical for plant health. By trimming back about one-third of the green growth (without cutting into the woody stems), we:
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Encourage a stronger, bushier plant next season
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Prevent the plant from becoming woody and brittle
- Protect against winter rot
Think of it like a reset, a way to help the plant conserve energy and bounce back with more vigor in the spring.
Planning Ahead: How Fall Shapes Next Season
Fall is when we evaluate the past season and begin planning ahead for the next:
Which varieties thrived?
Do we need to expand planting areas?
What product quantities do we need to prepare?
By assessing the yield and condition of each plant, we get a clearer picture of how much oil, buds, and material we can expect for product-making in the months to come. It’s a blend of intuition, science, and a little lavender-scented magic!
Winterizing Lavender: Protecting Our Plants
Lavender is a hardy plant, but it still benefits from some winter TLC, especially in cooler climates. Here's how we help our fields survive the frost:
Avoiding Overwatering: Wet roots in winter can lead to rot. Lavender prefers it dry!
Wind Protection: In particularly exposed areas, you may choose to use windbreaks or plant near natural barriers.
From Our Fields to Your Home
Every bar of soap, every jar of sugar scrub, every calming spray or tea blend we make begins right here with thoughtful harvesting, nurturing practices, and respect for the rhythm of the land.
When you purchase from our boutique, you're not just buying a product. You're supporting a seasonal cycle of care, sustainability, and small-scale farming that prioritizes both quality and longevity.
💜 Stay Connected
Want to see the products we make and how our fields change throughout the season? Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay connected with our farm!