Farming is a well-paying source of employment. It is an easy way to make money for those who are not pissed about by some soil and mud touching activities. You can turn your affection for herbs into a source of income. It all comes by commitment. To start a lavender farm Traverse City MI is one of the main ways. Lavender is a plant valued for its skin care products, herbal pillows, and aromatherapy products. But you do not have to just jump into the farming without considering some vital issues. Below are the main issues to contemplate when planning to start such a farm.
The kind of species to grow must be known. There are various lavender species, like the English lavender and Lavadins which are hybrids. You need to be careful about the species you decide to plant. Make the right choice since different species do well in different areas. It is only through close consideration of the species you will get the best.
Climate does affect not only human beings but also plants. You must understand that plant growth and thriving depend on the farming area climate. This kind of farming does well in dry, sunny and hot areas. Apart from that kind of climatic condition, they need some microclimate that is brought about by large water masses like a lake. A farm that is in such areas will do best.
Type of soil matters for every plant. This plant grows best in well-drained soil. Mostly sandy loam is the best option. The pH level of the soil must be ranging from 6-8. Any time that you are not sure of the pH levels, you can test it for yourself using a pH tester. Constant adding of fertilizers is not needed, this plant needs just some nitrogen fertilizers during planting or as advised by an expert.
There is a procedure that you must understand concerning the planting seedlings. This crop is not necessarily grown from the seeds. It will take you a long time to prepare seeds than to prepare stem cutting. The stems are cut right after the first leaf appearance and then cultured in a sterile plot. After the roots appear, they are transferred for real seedling planting.
Do not assume watering the plants just because it is highlighted that they do best in dry areas. They need watering but must be in regulated amounts. The younger seedling can be watered maybe twice a week, when they are mature you can increase watering to three times, but after the buds are formed, you have to reduce watering frequency.
Harvesting is a simple task done using scissors. The stems are cut just below that first leaf. Make sure that when harvesting, the flower buds are half opened. This gives the flowers some fresh look in the market. Morning is the best harvesting time when the flower oil is concentrated.
Lastly, you need to contemplate on your harvest preservation. After the harvesting, if you are planning to sell them in the farmer based market or on wholesale terms, you can dry the harvest fast. You can make bundles and hang them in a cool, dry place with some good air circulation for two weeks and then take them to the market.
The kind of species to grow must be known. There are various lavender species, like the English lavender and Lavadins which are hybrids. You need to be careful about the species you decide to plant. Make the right choice since different species do well in different areas. It is only through close consideration of the species you will get the best.
Climate does affect not only human beings but also plants. You must understand that plant growth and thriving depend on the farming area climate. This kind of farming does well in dry, sunny and hot areas. Apart from that kind of climatic condition, they need some microclimate that is brought about by large water masses like a lake. A farm that is in such areas will do best.
Type of soil matters for every plant. This plant grows best in well-drained soil. Mostly sandy loam is the best option. The pH level of the soil must be ranging from 6-8. Any time that you are not sure of the pH levels, you can test it for yourself using a pH tester. Constant adding of fertilizers is not needed, this plant needs just some nitrogen fertilizers during planting or as advised by an expert.
There is a procedure that you must understand concerning the planting seedlings. This crop is not necessarily grown from the seeds. It will take you a long time to prepare seeds than to prepare stem cutting. The stems are cut right after the first leaf appearance and then cultured in a sterile plot. After the roots appear, they are transferred for real seedling planting.
Do not assume watering the plants just because it is highlighted that they do best in dry areas. They need watering but must be in regulated amounts. The younger seedling can be watered maybe twice a week, when they are mature you can increase watering to three times, but after the buds are formed, you have to reduce watering frequency.
Harvesting is a simple task done using scissors. The stems are cut just below that first leaf. Make sure that when harvesting, the flower buds are half opened. This gives the flowers some fresh look in the market. Morning is the best harvesting time when the flower oil is concentrated.
Lastly, you need to contemplate on your harvest preservation. After the harvesting, if you are planning to sell them in the farmer based market or on wholesale terms, you can dry the harvest fast. You can make bundles and hang them in a cool, dry place with some good air circulation for two weeks and then take them to the market.
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Learn all you need to know about the lavender plant, today. You can also get more information about a great lavender farm Traverse City MI area at http://www.harborviewlavender.com/about-us now.