When you hear the word “Lavender,” you may probably associate it with so many things. For one, it’s a popular accent that is designed along with floral bouquets and arrangements. For some people, it comes with nostalgic memories like the soothing smell of their ancestral home. You may be reminded of spas and massage therapies, or you may think of their aromatic features. Lavender farming in Michigan is growing in popularity due to its many benefits.
The Lavender industry has existed a long way back for centuries ago. Until now, it has proven to be an excellent resource for its health, aromatic, relaxing, and other wellness benefits. This article will tackle all about Lavender farming and why this industry continues to boom today.
Moreover, you can discover their uses and benefits, as well as how to start to create or grow your Lavender farm. There are so many products that use Lavender as a main ingredient. For example, a Lavender Pillow can provide you with a high level of comfort during a quick nap or a long night’s sleep. Almost everybody loves the smell of lavender, so nowadays, the market is also filled with fragrances and hygienic products that contain it.
Lavender’s Growing Consumer Demand
During the summer months, you can expect to see several fields of lavender in the south of France. This country is a leading producer of Lavender, as they’re responsible for supplying 30% of the entire industry. Unfortunately, according to the article, there has been a decline in the supply because of environmental and climatic concerns. But despite that, the demand from consumers continues to remain high. And because of that, the industry is looking for ways to consistently meet the high demand.
France’s Lavender producers continue to encourage local farmers to maximize efforts in growing Lavenders and provide enough supplies. They continue to strategize how to increase supply, which is enough reason why they continue to be the leader in the Lavender industry. Aside from France, many local farmers worldwide have considered growing Lavender for profits because of its persistent demand. The plant is a favorite among consumers, so as long as farmers and suppliers effectively handle its production, the industry will continue to boom, making it a vital resource in the market today.
Different Uses Of Lavender
Lavender can be used to boost health and wellness in several ways. Check out below:
1. Sleep Support
When it comes to insomnia or other sleep disorders, Lavender is considered an effective aid. To wind down and get a good night’s rest, people from the past would insert stalks of dried Lavender into their pillows. This approach is retained as you get to see some pillows that contain lavender. But there are also other means to ensure a good night’s sleep, like using comfortable and relaxing pillows such as the Hemp Pillow. For more information, check out this video:
In addition to helping you sleep and relax, Lavender oil can be used to relax the entire body, which is why it is a popular choice among massage therapists. There are a lot of products that use Lavender as a main ingredient. Lavender oil can also be used in a diffuser before bedtime as a natural sleep aid and helps you have sweet dreams.
2. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapists often use Lavender for its therapeutic properties. Lavender plants are believed to have a calming scent that promotes relaxation. And for this reason, almost anyone is reminded of massage parlors and spas when they have a sniff of Lavender. In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, it may also ease minor pain.
3. Hair Support
Inflammatory conditions affecting the hair, such as alopecia aerate, may be treated with Lavender oil topically. Other essential oils like Peppermint, Rosemary, and Tea Tree treat the same hair issue. If you’re experiencing some problems with your hair, try to apply organic oils topically, and you can see results afterward.
4. Skin Treatment
Lavender oils have been used to reduce various skin issues such as eczema, acne, and sunburn. With today’s wide variety of skin products in the market, you’ll be able to find great quality ones that contain lavender extracts.
5. Helps Alleviate Pain in Cancer And Dementia Patients
Aromatherapy using Lavender oil is found to be helpful in some cancer patients in terms of managing pain and side effects of cancer treatment. It is believed that smell receptors communicate with the brain and affect mood. Those who have dementia may also find aromatherapy beneficial. Although these claims have been effective for some, more studies need to be done.
How To Grow Lavender For Profits?
Lavender needs plenty of sunlight for at least six hours each day to thrive. In other words, these plants need sunny weather, but it shouldn’t be scorching. Lavender can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Light layers of sifted soil can be applied to it. However, the process of growing from seeds requires a great deal of knowledge and effort. Cuttings are the best way to start Lavender cultivation if you’re a beginner.
Another way to profit from your Lavender plantation is by converting your farm into an ecotourism stop. Why don’t you landscape your lavender fields and earn money by collecting entrance fees from visitors? This is one effective way to profit, aside from merely harvesting and selling the produce. If this approach is not viable for you, there are still various money-making options for your Lavender farm.
The use of Lavender in cooking and wellness is highly regarded. Many culinary uses for Lavender exist today, including using it as a flavoring for baked goods. In herbal medicine, Lavender is often used to relieve headaches, toothaches, nerve pain, and digestive issues. Among other products that contain Lavender, you’ll find skin lotions, moisturizers, skin baths, Lavender sugar, dried lavender buds, and so many more.
The culinary, tourism, health, and hospitality industries and even manufacturers of soap, lotions, and candles may be the target consumers of your fresh or dried Lavender plants. You can even use different selling platforms that will allow you to reach more customers, like online and your local marketplaces.
Creating and maintaining a Lavender farm for profit can be challenging, but it results in exponential gains if done effectively. Small-scale farmers have numerous options for starting Lavender farms, as it can also be utilized as an ecotourism attraction.
Lavender Farming – How To Cultivate Lavender?
You can grow Lavender as a perennial flower in your yard, and it will attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. It’s a great plant to grow, primarily if you aim to create a butterfly garden. You don’t necessarily have to buy vast lands to start a Lavender farm business. Planting these herbs from your backyard is a good start. The fragrance of these plants will fill your garden if you plant them alongside herbs in perennial flower beds or pots. You will be delighted with the beauty and usefulness of Lavender plants in your garden if you follow the tips below:
Increase Lavender Farming Profit Per Acre With Propagation
Growing lavender from seed can be difficult, as it requires a period of cold stratification of five weeks, and ultimately, they require about six months before you can see them starting to grow.
Growing lavender is easier to buy seedlings or take cuttings from an existing plant. Cuttings may be taken from lavender stems with no flower buds after the flowers have bloomed. After removing leaves from the bottom half, lavender cutting should be planted in sterile potting soil or vermiculite.
The cuttings will start rooting within three weeks, but it is important to continue watering them well. This Lavender cutting needs to be planted in two to four-inch pots once it has rooted. And finally, if the roots have grown enough, it’s best to transfer them into the ground.
Lavender Farming – Planting
For Lavender to grow, create enough space between them with 4 to 6 feet between the rows, depending on the size of the variety. Make sure that they are directly exposed to the sun as well.
- Soil: Lavender grows best in soils that are low to moderate fertility, so it’s best not to put any organic matter into the soil. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil is best for Lavender. One way to prep your soil is to add lime and ensure that the soil pH totals to 7.0, as it is the perfect pH balance for Lavender to grow well.
- Spacing: As mentioned, plant your Lavender at a distance of at least one to three feet apart from each other.
- Light: Lavender requires full sunlight and well-draining soil to grow fully. But a little afternoon shade could help them survive in hot climates.
- Climate: Dry conditions are favorable to the growth of this plant. Temperatures of different degrees are not a problem for Lavenders. It is, however, incapable of developing correctly in conditions of high humidity or very cold temperatures. So, when planting Lavender, you must consider the geographic location.
Mulching
The susceptibility of Lavender to mold and fungus means that typical organic mulches are not suitable or recommended for it. The black fabric used for Lavender planting is a sound weed barrier. It is possible that the use of white sand or white stones when mulching Lavender will increase the yield of oils and flowers while controlling weeds and preventing fungus infection at the same time.
Guide In Harvesting Lavender
During harvesting, the entire branch, including leaves and flowers, must be removed. You can remove the leaves whenever you want. But it’s best to use flower cutting tools when you harvest them.
Since Lavender is considered both a flower and an herb, the harvesting process must be done in a certain manner to be able to optimize its uses and benefits. One way is that flowers must be freshly chopped to extract the essential oils. However, you must also keep in mind that this kind of plant blooms relatively slower. Although it blooms in its first year, you’ll notice that the flowers become more sufficient in its second year. The standard way of farming Lavender is effective. But this will require extensive time and money to succeed as a gardener. So, hang in there, as your harvests will bring forth valuable returns for your effort and time.
How To Process Lavender For Sale
If you plan on selling your Lavender at a farmers’ market or to wholesalers, there are several ways to package and preserve it. Dried lavender is probably the simplest and quickest method. With rubber bands, lavender stems in bundles of 50 to 100 will dry well. The drying method requires two weeks of storing your lavender in a dark and cool place with good ventilation.
Selling Lavender plants and their by-products can help you earn a steady income. You can sell them in different forms like Lavender buds, self-care products, skincare, aromatherapy, herbal pillows, and many more. You will find that dozens of Lavender-infused products can be easily made.
Where To Sell Your Lavender Farm Products?
If you are a small Lavender farm grower, you should sell at your local farmer’s market. You can sell fresh bouquets, dried buds, Lavender oil, or Lavender-infused products that you’ve made from the farm. Moreover, selling directly at a market means generating more profits since you won’t be splitting shares with a distributor or a middle man.
Furthermore, you can use your creativity to create unique artisan items and valuable products from your fresh produce. Organic soaps, essential oils, and fragrances are just some of the basic Lavender products that you can explore.
The market for natural personal care products is on the rise. For example, the demand for soaps and lotions is growing at a double-digit rate, since more health-conscious consumers opt for natural remedies instead of chemicals. Find inspirations and resources online, and you’ll be able to position your Lavender products differently from your competitors. But do take note that manufacturing aromatherapy products require more work since this would include mixing and packaging. But the right branding, packaging, and marketing will definitely help your products stand out.
Final Thoughts on Lavender Farming
It’s good news for Lavender growers and enthusiasts to know that the industry still demands a consistent supply of this valuable herb. With this helpful guide, you can participate in this industry if you wish to indulge in creating useful Lavender products. If you are interested in this line of business, the first step is to create a lavender farm business plan. Using your farming skills and techniques, you can start a farm, grow Lavenders in fields, and make profits using the abovementioned strategies and concepts.
Lavender Farm Ideas on Amazon
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