Planting Lavender

Fall is the perfect time to plant lavender, a carefree perennial that will reward you with twenty years of fragrant, savory, beauty, when planted following basic guidelines. I follow the advice of Ellen, the farmer at Northwinds Lavender Farm in Pawling, NY, to ensure healthy plants:

Buy your lavender plants from a reputable grower who propagates their own stock in your zone. This ensures the plants have been acclimated to wintering over in your area and are also true lavender varieties from parent stock.

Ask for varieties that are hardy in your zone.

Make sure the planting bed is free draining. (Add sand if the soil does not drain easily.)

Choose a bed location that receives full sun for a minimum of 6 hours daily.

Check soil pH and amend bed prior to planting if possible; 
pH of 7.0 or greater is required.

Amend soil with lime if the pH is less than 7.0. 

Dig a hole the height of the plant root system and three times its width. 
Remove the plant from the container and place it in the hole so that the new soil level is even with the plant's soil level.

Avoid using bark mulches; these are too acidic and retain moisture close to the plant crown. White stone reflects the sunlight into the center of the plant, keeping it healthy. 

Water until established.

Then, for years to come, enjoy this amazing plant that requires very little attention, yet offers soothing fragrance and culinary flavor, while adding color and texture to the landscape. 

Low Sugar Jams -- Fruity Rather than Sugary

     If you prefer jam with fruit as the main ingredient, and a minimal amount of sugar, Pomona's pectin recipes are a great option. Jam recipes using this pectin require up to 80% less sugar than standard pectin recipes. Calcium water activates the citrus based pectin, so as little as 3/4 cups of sugar will sweeten 4 cups of fruit. The result is intensely fruit flavored, healthier jam. (Small amounts of honey, agave, maple syrup, frozen juice concentrate, or Stevia can also be used as sweeteners.)