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What to Do With Homegrown Lavender
What to do with homegrown lavender is one of the most rewarding questions you’ll ask after your first big harvest.
Homegrown lavender can be dried, cooked with, crafted into beauty products, and even used to freshen up your home naturally.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with homegrown lavender now that your garden is overflowing, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll explore practical and delightful ways to use homegrown lavender so nothing goes to waste.
Let’s get to it.
Why Homegrown Lavender Is Worth Using
Homegrown lavender is worth using because it’s far more fragrant and versatile than most store-bought options.
When you grow lavender at home, you control how it’s harvested, which means you keep more of those precious oils intact.
Homegrown lavender also carries a freshness that dried commercial bundles simply can’t match.
Let’s look at the best ways to put your homegrown lavender to work.
1. Dry It for Long-Lasting Use
Drying is probably the most popular thing to do with homegrown lavender.
Cut the stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
Bundle them with twine and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot.
Within a week or two, your homegrown lavender will be ready to strip from the stems.
Store the dried buds in airtight jars so you can enjoy your homegrown lavender all year long.
2. Make Sachets and Drawer Fresheners
Dried homegrown lavender makes wonderful sachets for drawers, closets, and linen cupboards.
Sew small fabric pouches, fill them with dried buds, and tuck them wherever things need a little freshening.
You can also drop a handful of homegrown lavender into a small muslin bag and place it under your pillow.
The gentle scent from your homegrown lavender can help you unwind after a long day.
3. Brew It Into Tea
You can steep homegrown lavender in hot water for a calming cup of tea.
Use about one teaspoon of dried buds or two teaspoons of fresh homegrown lavender per cup.
Let it steep for five to ten minutes, then strain and add honey if you like.
A squeeze of lemon pairs beautifully with the floral notes of homegrown lavender.
4. Bake It Into Treats
Homegrown lavender adds a delicate floral flavor to cookies, shortbread, cakes, and even ice cream.
Just remember that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount of your homegrown lavender.
Make sure you only use culinary-grade buds that haven’t been sprayed with chemicals.
Once you bake with homegrown lavender, you’ll be hooked on that subtle, elegant taste.
Creative Ways to Use Homegrown Lavender
Beyond the basics, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy your homegrown lavender.
1. Infuse Oils and Vinegars
You can infuse olive oil or vinegar with homegrown lavender for a unique kitchen staple.
Simply add dried buds to a clean jar, cover with oil or vinegar, and let it sit for a couple of weeks.
The result is a beautifully scented infusion that showcases your homegrown lavender.
2. Craft Bath Salts and Soaps
Homemade bath salts are another lovely option for using homegrown lavender.
Mix Epsom salts with dried homegrown lavender buds and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
You can also add ground homegrown lavender to homemade soap for a gentle, exfoliating scrub.
3. Make a Natural Room Spray
A simple room spray made with homegrown lavender can freshen up any space.
Combine water, a splash of witch hazel, and a few drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle.
Add dried homegrown lavender buds for extra fragrance and a pretty touch.
4. Create Decorative Wreaths
Homegrown lavender stems are perfect for weaving into wreaths and floral arrangements.
Their silvery-green foliage and purple blooms look beautiful fresh or dried.
A wreath made from your homegrown lavender brings a bit of the garden indoors.
5. Use It in Herbal Sleep Pillows
Herbal sleep pillows stuffed with homegrown lavender are a cozy way to use your harvest.
Combine dried homegrown lavender with chamomile and flaxseed for a soothing blend.
Tuck the pillow near your head at night and let the calming aroma of homegrown lavender help you relax.
6. Add It to Your Skincare Routine
You can add homegrown lavender to sugar scrubs, lotions, and facial steams.
Its soothing properties make it a favorite for DIY skincare lovers.
Just be sure to test any new product on a small patch of skin first.
So, What to Do With Homegrown Lavender?
What to do with homegrown lavender comes down to drying, cooking, crafting, and creating beautiful homemade products.
Homegrown lavender is far too precious to let go to waste, and there are endless ways to enjoy it.
Whether you brew it into tea, sew it into sachets, or bake it into cookies, your homegrown lavender will reward you with fragrance and flavor.
So next time you harvest, you’ll know exactly what to do with homegrown lavender.