What To Do With Lavender Clippings

What to Do With Lavender Clippings

Lavender clippings can be put to good use in plenty of practical and creative ways instead of tossing them in the bin.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself what to do with lavender clippings after a big harvest, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that those stems, leaves, and flower buds are packed with fragrance, oils, and beauty.
 
Whether you’ve trimmed your bushes for shaping or gathered a huge bundle during peak bloom, there are dozens of ways to make the most of what you’ve cut.
 
In this post, we’ll look at what to do with lavender clippings, from drying and cooking to crafting and even cleaning your home.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Shouldn’t Just Toss Lavender Clippings

Lavender clippings are far too valuable to throw away, and here’s why:
 

1. They Hold Onto Their Fragrance

Fresh lavender clippings carry essential oils that stay potent long after you cut them.
 
Dried clippings can keep their scent for months or even years when stored properly.
 
That means every clipping you save is a little piece of aromatherapy waiting to happen.
 

2. They’re Edible and Useful in the Kitchen

Lavender clippings are edible, and the buds and leaves can flavor all sorts of dishes and drinks.
 
You can use lavender clippings in baked goods, teas, lemonades, and even savory recipes.
 
Just make sure your clippings come from plants that haven’t been sprayed with chemicals.
 

3. They Save You Money

Instead of buying dried lavender bundles, sachets, or essential oils, you can make your own from clippings you already have.
 
That makes what to do with lavender clippings a money-saving question with a very satisfying answer.
 

Practical Ways to Use Lavender Clippings

So what to do with lavender clippings around your home?
 
Here are some of the best ideas to try:
 

1. Dry Them for Sachets and Drawers

Drying lavender clippings is one of the simplest and most rewarding options.
 
Tie small bundles together with twine and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated spot.
 
Once dry, strip the buds and sew them into little fabric sachets for your drawers and closets.
 
These sachets keep clothes smelling fresh and also help repel moths naturally.
 

2. Make a Calming Lavender Tea

Lavender clippings make a lovely, soothing tea when you use the buds.
 
Just steep a teaspoon of dried buds in hot water for about five minutes.
 
You can blend lavender clippings with chamomile or mint for an even tastier cup.
 
Sip it in the evening to unwind after a long day.
 

3. Create Bath Soaks and Scrubs

Drop dried lavender clippings into a muslin bag and toss it into a warm bath.
 
You can also mix crushed buds with Epsom salt and a little olive oil for a homemade scrub.
 
This is a wonderful way to use lavender clippings if you love a spa-like routine at home.
 

4. Infuse Oils and Vinegars

Lavender clippings can be infused into carrier oils like olive or almond oil.
 
Fill a jar with clippings, cover them with oil, and let the mix sit in a sunny spot for a few weeks.
 
Strain it, and you’ve got a fragrant oil for skincare or massage.
 
You can do the same with vinegar for a floral cleaning spray.
 

5. Add Them to Potpourri and Crafts

Mix dried lavender clippings with rose petals, citrus peel, and cinnamon sticks for homemade potpourri.
 
You can also weave stems into wreaths, bookmarks, or greeting cards.
 
Crafters love lavender clippings because they hold their shape and color beautifully.
 

Using Lavender Clippings in the Garden

Lavender clippings can go right back into your garden, and that’s one of the smartest ways to use them.
 

1. Compost Them

Lavender clippings break down nicely in a compost pile.
 
Just chop them into smaller pieces so they decompose faster.
 
Avoid adding woody stems in huge amounts, since they take longer to break down.
 

2. Make a Natural Pest Repellent

Lavender clippings can be steeped in water to create a gentle spray that discourages certain pests.
 
Spray it around your garden beds or near doors and windows.
 
It won’t harm beneficial insects the way harsh chemicals can.
 

3. Use Them as Mulch

A light layer of lavender clippings can act as mulch around your plants.
 
It helps retain moisture and adds a pleasant scent to your garden.
 
Just don’t pile it too thick, or it may trap too much moisture around stems.
 

So, What to Do With Lavender Clippings?

Lavender clippings can be dried, cooked, crafted, composted, and turned into everything from tea to bath soaks.
 
The next time you finish pruning your lavender, don’t toss those clippings in the trash.
 
There are so many ways to enjoy what to do with lavender clippings, and most of them cost you nothing but a little time.
 
Whether you make sachets, brew tea, or feed your compost pile, your lavender clippings can keep giving long after the harvest.