When you hear the word “Lavender,” you may probably associate it with many things. For one, it’s a popular accent that is designed along with floral bouquets and arrangements. For some people, it brings back 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.
Lavender Farming is an Ancient Practice
The Lavender industry has existed for centuries. Until now, it has proven to be an excellent resource for its health, aromatic, relaxing, and other wellness benefits. This article will discuss Lavender farming and why this industry continues to boom today.
Moreover, you can discover their uses and benefits and how to start creating or growing your Lavender farm. There are so many products that use Lavender as a main ingredient. 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 lavender fields 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 meet the high demand consistently.
France’s Lavender producers continue encouraging 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. 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.
Top Lavender Farms in Michigan
Here is a table with the top lavender farms in Michigan, including their names, descriptions, and addresses:
| Farm Name | Description | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Point Farm & Market | A historic farm offering a variety of lavender products and hosting events like lavender festivals. | 9600 W Buchanan Rd, Shelby, MI 49455 |
| Indigo Lavender Farms | Known for its scenic lavender fields and wide array of lavender-based products, including oils and soaps. | 631 N Van Dyke Rd, Imlay City, MI 48444 |
| Lavender Hill Farm | Offers farm tours, workshops, and yoga in the lavender fields, along with a charming gift shop. | 7354 Horton Bay Rd N, Boyne City, MI 49712 |
| Michigan Lavender Festival | Hosts an annual festival celebrating all things lavender, featuring local vendors and entertainment. | Various locations in Michigan |
| Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery | Combines vineyards with lavender fields, offering a unique experience of wine and lavender products. | 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 |
| West Michigan Lavender Festival | A popular event showcasing the best lavender farms in the region with numerous activities and vendors. | Various locations in West Michigan |
| Lavender Lane Farm | A small family farm focusing on organic lavender production and handmade lavender products. | 2800 Jacobs Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770 |
| Shades of Lavender Farm | Offers U-pick lavender, farm tours, and a shop with a variety of lavender products. | 1067 88th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464 |
| The Lavender Fleece | A quaint farm with U-pick lavender fields and a shop offering a range of lavender-based goods. | 6267 Washburn Rd, Goodrich, MI 48438 |
These Michigan lavender farms represent some of the best places to experience lavender in Michigan, offering unique products and experiences for visitors.
Different Uses Of Lavender
Lavender can be used to boost health and wellness in several ways. Check out below:
1. Sleep Support
Regarding 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 see some pillows containing lavender.
Lavender oil can help you sleep and relax, and it can also relax the entire body, which is why it is a popular choice among massage therapists. Many products 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. For this reason, almost anyone is reminded of massage parlors and spas when they sniff Lavender. In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, lavender 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 problems with your hair, 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 its use 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, like online and local marketplaces, to reach more customers.
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 five-week period of cold stratification. Ultimately, it takes about six months before you can see the lavender starting to grow.
Growing lavender is easier if you 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 cuttings 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. Once they have rooted, this lavender cutting needs to be planted in two—to four-inch pots. 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. The use of white sand or white stones when mulching Lavender may 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, such as 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 double, since more health-conscious consumers opt for natural remedies instead of chemicals. Find inspirations and resources online, and you can position your Lavender products differently from your competitors. But do note that manufacturing aromatherapy products requires more work, including 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.
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