Mulch for lavender?

Question

I just planted 5 lavender plants a couple of weeks ago and they are doing well, lots of new growth in spite of how hard I’ve heard they are to grow. They get full sun all day, and I’m not sure of what zone I’m in, but I’m 30 min east of Atlanta,GA. I’ve heard they don’t like to be wet so I’m wondering if I should put mulch on them, they look kind of pitiful without it. I planted them about a foot from my house to make room for them to spread. I would appreciate any suggestions about the mulch and what to do about the grass all around them.

Thanks so much,
Jo Jordin

Answer 1

You are in zone 8a so I included an article about zone 8 lavender plants. Well-drained soil is a must for lavender, so if you have that and planted them in a sunny situation, it should be fine to mulch. Mulching will help keep down the weeds and regulate the soil temperature. Choose a light-colored, reflective mulch such as pebbles, white gravel or oyster shells. Hardwood mulch will hold in moisture.

Is the grass beyond an edging around the lavender? If not, you need to remove the grass or it will grow into the plants. You should probably dig it up since the plants are already in. Grass may be too close to the plants to use an herbicide, however there is a grass killer available that does not harm certain plants. You would need to check the label to be sure lavender is listed.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/lavender/feeding-lavender-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-lavender-plants.htm