Lavender is more than just a nice scent. The lavender plant is used for everything from bug repellent to cookie recipes. And now you can learn to grow it at home.
North Fulton Master Gardeners and University of Georgia Extension are teaming up for a free online class.
Lavender is a member of the mint family and native to regions of the Mediterranean. English lavender and its cultivars are the most commonly grown in Southern gardens, along with hybrids between English and spike lavenders of France. Growing lavender in the South can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible if you know which species, soil type and weather conditions are best suited for optimum growth.
Rebecca Pinckney, a North Fulton master gardener, will teach you everything you need to know to grow lavender in Georgia.
Growing your own lavender can have many benefits. If you’re looking for new ways to switch up your meal, try adding lavender to cookies, tea and even cobbler.
Lavender also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help protect your body. According to the Journal of Medical Microbiology, “lavender shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections.”
Lavender is known to calm nerves and reduce anxiety. It can help alleviate symptoms of migraines, depression and emotional stress for some people. Studies have found that people suffering from anxiety and stress before an exam had increased mental function after sniffing lavender oil.
If you’d like to learn more about lavender and how to grow it, the online class will be 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. The class is free, but you’ll need to register here. If you aren’t able to attend the class, it will be available later on the group’s YouTube channel.
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