Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
What to Do With Picked Lavender: A Complete Guide
What to do with picked lavender starts with understanding that this aromatic herb is incredibly versatile once harvested.
Whether you’ve got a single bundle or an entire basket full, there are dozens of ways to use fresh picked lavender around your home.
If you’ve been asking yourself what to do with picked lavender, you’re in the right place because this guide covers everything from drying techniques to culinary uses.
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with picked lavender so you can make the most of your harvest and enjoy its beauty and fragrance for months.
Let’s dive into the best ways to use your fresh lavender harvest.
Why Picked Lavender Is So Useful
Picked lavender is one of the most rewarding herbs you can grow because almost every part of the plant serves a purpose.
Understanding why picked lavender deserves your attention helps you appreciate just how many options you have.
1. Picked Lavender Retains Its Fragrance
Freshly picked lavender holds its essential oils in the buds and stems.
When you handle picked lavender gently and dry it properly, those oils remain potent for months.
This is why so many people who wonder what to do with picked lavender end up making sachets and potpourri.
2. It Has Culinary and Medicinal Value
Picked lavender isn’t just pretty.
It can be used in teas, baked goods, and even cocktails when you know which varieties are safe to consume.
English lavender and Provence lavender are the go-to choices for anything edible, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding what to do with picked lavender from your garden.
3. It Works for Crafts and Home Projects
From wreaths to candles, picked lavender fits beautifully into DIY projects.
If you enjoy crafting, knowing what to do with picked lavender opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Best Ways to Use Picked Lavender
Now let’s get into the practical stuff.
Here are the most popular and effective ways to use picked lavender after harvest.
1. Dry It for Long-Lasting Use
Drying is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what to do with picked lavender.
Bundle the stems together with twine and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated room.
After about two to three weeks, your picked lavender will be completely dry and ready for storage.
Once dried, you can strip the buds and store them in airtight jars for up to a year.
2. Make Lavender Sachets
Sachets are a classic answer to what to do with picked lavender.
Sew small fabric pouches, fill them with dried lavender buds, and tuck them into drawers, closets, or under pillows.
The scent lasts for months and keeps your linens smelling fresh.
You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to refresh the sachets when the fragrance fades.
3. Create Potpourri Blends
If you’re wondering what to do with picked lavender that’s already dried out, potpourri is a wonderful option.
Mix your lavender buds with dried rose petals, chamomile, and a few drops of essential oil.
Place the blend in decorative bowls around your home for a natural air freshener.
This is one of the simplest ways to enjoy picked lavender indoors all year round.
4. Brew Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is calming and easy to make from picked lavender.
Use about one teaspoon of dried buds per cup of hot water and steep for five to ten minutes.
You can also blend picked lavender with chamomile or peppermint for a soothing evening drink.
Just make sure the lavender you use hasn’t been treated with pesticides.
5. Infuse Oils and Vinegars
Another great option for what to do with picked lavender is making infused oils or vinegars.
Fill a jar with fresh or dried lavender buds, cover with olive oil or white wine vinegar, and let it sit in a cool dark place for two to four weeks.
Strain the mixture and store it in a clean bottle.
Lavender-infused oil works beautifully in skincare products while lavender vinegar adds a floral note to salad dressings.
6. Add It to Baked Goods
If you enjoy baking, you’ll love what picked lavender can do for your recipes.
Lavender pairs wonderfully with lemon, honey, and vanilla.
Try adding a teaspoon of finely chopped dried buds to shortbread cookies, cakes, or muffins.
Just remember that a little goes a long way because too much picked lavender can make your baked goods taste soapy.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Picked Lavender
Harvest your lavender in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
This is when the essential oil content is at its peak.
Cut the stems long and handle them gently to avoid bruising the buds.
And always leave a few stems on the plant so it can keep growing and blooming next season.
So, What to Do With Picked Lavender?
What to do with picked lavender comes down to drying it, crafting with it, cooking with it, or simply enjoying its scent fresh.
Picked lavender is one of those herbs that keeps giving long after you’ve cut it from the garden.
Whether you choose to make sachets, brew tea, or infuse oils, there’s a use for every single stem.
So the next time you’re holding a bundle of picked lavender and wondering what to do with it, just pick one of these ideas and get started.