As October settles in, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about harvesting the last of your lavender before the winter weather approaches. While most gardeners are very familiar with using the aromatic flowers, don’t overlook the versatility of lavender leaves. Though less potent than the blooms, lavender leaves still carry that familiar fragrance and many of the health benefits lavender is known for. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use these often-overlooked leaves in both your kitchen and around your home for natural cleaning.
Harvesting Lavender Leaves
In our mild climate, lavender plants will remain green through much of the winter, but they may start to lose their vigor in the colder months. October is an ideal time to harvest the leaves, as they still have their essential oils before the chill of winter slows their production. When harvesting, use sharp scissors or pruners to snip the leaves, ideally in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. After gathering, you can dry the leaves by hanging small bunches in a cool, dry place or using a dehydrator if you’re short on time.
Avoid cutting into bare, woody stems with no green growth: Lavender plants do not regenerate well from completely woody stems. If you prune too far down into sections that have no leaves or buds, the plant may not grow back, or it could take a long time to recover.
Leave some green growth behind: Always leave at least 1-2 inches of green, leafy stems when pruning. This ensures that there are healthy areas from which the plant can regenerate.
Don’t remove more than one-third of the plant: A general rule of thumb for lavender, as with many plants, is to avoid removing more than one-third of the plant’s overall size in a single pruning. This reduces the risk of shock and ensures the plant has enough energy to recover.
Lavender Leaves in Cooking
While lavender flowers are often the star of culinary recipes, the leaves can be just as useful, especially in savory dishes. Their flavor is more subtle than the flowers, offering a gentle, herbaceous note that pairs well with a variety of foods.
Here are a few ways to incorporate lavender leaves into your cooking:
- Herb Butters and Marinades: Chop fresh or dried lavender leaves and blend them into herb butter for spreading on bread or as a finishing touch on roasted vegetables. You can also use the leaves in marinades for chicken or lamb for an earthy twist.
- Lavender-Infused Olive Oil: Make a simple lavender-infused oil by gently heating olive oil and adding a handful of dried lavender leaves. Let the oil steep for a couple of hours, strain out the leaves, and store it in a jar. This infused oil can be drizzled over roasted vegetables, mixed into dressings, or used for sautéing. You can also use this infused oil as a base to make a headache salve.
- Lavender Salt or Sugar: Dried lavender leaves can be blended with sea salt or sugar to create a fragrant seasoning. Use lavender salt on roasted potatoes, fish, or grilled meats, while lavender sugar can add a floral note to cookies, cakes, and teas.
Lavender Leaves in Herbal Cleaning Products
Lavender’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a fantastic addition to homemade cleaning products. While the flowers are often used for their fragrance, the leaves work just as well and offer a more subtle aroma that won’t overwhelm your senses.
Here are some simple ways to use lavender leaves for a cleaner, fresher home:
- Lavender Vinegar Cleaner: Create a versatile cleaner by infusing white vinegar with dried lavender leaves. Fill a jar with leaves and cover them with vinegar, allowing it to steep for at least two weeks. Once strained, this lavender-infused vinegar can be used as an all-purpose cleaner for countertops, floors, and windows. Its antibacterial properties will help keep your home clean, and the scent of lavender will linger long after you’re done cleaning.
- Lavender Leaf Sachets: While not a traditional cleaning product, lavender sachets filled with dried leaves can help keep closets, drawers, and linen cupboards smelling fresh. You can also tuck them into your vacuum bag or canister to release a soothing scent while you clean.
- Lavender-Infused Floor Cleaner: Mix a small handful of dried lavender leaves into a bucket of hot water, along with a few drops of lavender essential oil and a dash of liquid soap, to make a naturally fragrant mop water that will leave your floors sparkling and smelling fresh.
- Lavender Scouring Powder: Mix a tablespoon of ground lavender leaves with 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of borax and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Store in a covered jar.
Preparing for Winter
Before the cooler months approach, take advantage of this often-overlooked part of the lavender plant. Whether you’re infusing oils for cooking or making your own herbal cleaning products, lavender leaves can bring a little bit of the garden indoors, for use and enjoyment all winter long.
Once you’ve harvested the leaves, your lavender plants will thank you for a light pruning to prepare them for winter. Removing excess growth helps to maintain the shape of the plant and encourages healthy growth next season. Don’t forget that while lavender is hardy, a little extra care like careful pruning as well as mulching around the base of the plants, will set the plant up for continued success next season.
Happy harvesting!
