Pruning Lavender This Spring for a Healthier, More Beautiful Bloom

The snow has melted, the rain has softened the earth, and the air carries the promise of new growth. It’s finally that time of year when I step outside, gloves in hand, and start tidying up my lavender plants. A little effort now makes all the difference, and I always feel a sense of satisfaction knowing I’m setting my plants up for a season of lush, fragrant blooms. Lavender needs pruning to stay strong and full. Without it, plants can become woody and sparse. I always shape mine into a gumdrop - rounded on top, tidy, and compact. Think of those little sugar-dusted candies. That’s the look you want. Using sharp garden shears, I trim away any dead or straggly branches, following the plant’s natural curve. Whether you prune in spring or fall, keeping this shape ensures even growth and a full, bushy lavender plant when summer arrives. I’ve learned that looking underneath the lavender is just as important as trimming it. Last season’s leaves, mulch, and twigs pile up, trapping moisture and inviting pests. I slip on my gloves, reach under the plant, and gently clear away the debris until I see fresh, clean soil. It only takes a few minutes, but my plants always look healthier because of it. After pruning and cleaning up, I give my lavender a little extra love with a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote. A quarter cup around the base of each plant is all it takes to keep them nourished through the season. It’s a small step, but one that makes a noticeable difference in the strength and vibrancy of the plants. There’s something rewarding about tending to the lavender, knowing that a little effort now will bring months of beauty and fragrance. On the next dry day, I’ll be out there again, shears in hand, breathing in the fresh air, and setting my plants up for another season of growth. It’s a yearly routine, but one that never gets old.