Lavender care?

[Swimsuitbod]

This is my 3rd try looking after lavender and they are starting to look droopy! Any advice?

Lovely warm sunny south-facing plot (which I know lavender love)
They are in pots (terracotta, not plastic), and I have drainage - resting on pebbles in a tray to drain properly
I know lavender don't like over-watering. However I think the first ones I left too long without water as they dried out! This time I am trying little tiny amounts of watering every other day.

They survived a few weeks looking lovely but I have just looked out the window and they are droopy!!

Can anyone green-fingered please advise? X

I think you're being too cautious. Yes, they like it hot and dry, but still need water, especially when they're establishing. Terracotta pots are porous, so dry out quickly, too. I'd give them a good drink and mulch the top of the pot, if you haven't already done so.

Lavender need a lot more water if they are in pots The if they are I. The ground, It is quite likely that, because of the dryness the roots have shrunk slightly causing air pockets. Top up with some compost, then water, press the fresh compost down and water again. If the level of compost goes down you know that is the cause.

Take the saucer away and just water them regularly.

@florentina 1 on a general note how bad are air pockets ?

I'm not good at putting stuff into the ground or containers. Especially containers and worry about how firmly I need to press them down .

Should I water and then firm plants or the other way round ?

I'm not good at putting stuff into the ground or containers. Especially containers and worry about how firmly I need to press them down

Gravity never lets soil sit above an air pocket so if you are unsure, firm the plant in [gentle pressure is enough], water well, and the if the soil sinks, top it up.

Thanks sackrifice .Now all I have to do is learn to ask advice before I do something rather than afterwards .

I hope I haven't damaged roots by using too much pressure ....

Can I hijack and ask if I can grow lavender from a cutting or seed?

I keep buying lavender in pots and next door's grows like a weed but mine dries up after a year of looking nice (so I don't think it's a small plant not being established problem). My mum sucks in her teeth and says "it's really cold and damp where you live" but given that next door lives in the same climate I don't think so.

I'd rather not keep buying plastic pots only for them to die!

I hope I haven't damaged roots by using too much pressure

Before I plant out a plant that has roots that have started to wind around the pot, I pull them all out straight. I think yours will be fine.

Can I hijack and ask if I can grow lavender from a cutting or seed?

You can but they are so slow growing...it will take years.

They need free draining soil, with little nutrients, loads of sun and water that they don't sit in.

How bad are air pockets?
If the compost shrinks away from the sides of the pot the water all runs straight down the gaps at the sides and out of the bottom of the pot. So you think you are watering the plant, but it doesn't have time to soak into the compost.

Ok I'll bite the bullet and buy a new potted one!

You won’t damage the roots by pressing down. It is correct that the gravity will push the soil down but not if it is caked hard. Terracotta pots are porous so plants need more water in them than stone or plastic pots. If a plant is struggling through dryness the water will just run straight through.

If you see the water coming out of the bottom you can easily be misled in thinking that there is sufficient water. If, however, you lift the plant out you will see it is bone dry in the centre. Either water in stages or allow sufficient water to run over the plant gently. You can test, by putting a knife or skewer into the soil to see if it comes out wet. You can also buy, very cheaply a water/ dryness gauge. They are on a spike and cost about £3.

This is so helpful, thank you. I have watered a bit extra and they have perked up! I will add some compost to them at the weekend too. xx