If you read my profile, you know that I had a dream - a dream that many thought was crazy and bizarre. A lavender farm in New York state? When I thought of the idea there weren't any farms in NY that I could reference on the internet. Now we have a handful spread across the state. Initially, I had no land, little knowledge on the plant and how to grow it. So I did research. A lot of research. I bought, read and sifted through many books and articles. The first article I came across is what I have based most of my direction on:
A small sustainable farm in the beautiful Fingerlakes region of New York state growing lavender, surrounded by wineries and beautiful sunsets. We are located near Cayuga Lake 1321 State Rt 34B King Ferry, NY Phone# (315) 364-1023
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Saturday, February 26, 2011
How to Start a Lavender Farm
I often find people interested in starting their own lavender farm. I am often asked questions like 'What goes into planning and getting a farm up and running?' The answers? How much time do you have? Do you have the money to invest? Do you have land readily available? Will lavender grow reliably in your area? I may not be able to provide all the answers here, but I can share our experience.
If you read my profile, you know that I had a dream - a dream that many thought was crazy and bizarre. A lavender farm in New York state? When I thought of the idea there weren't any farms in NY that I could reference on the internet. Now we have a handful spread across the state. Initially, I had no land, little knowledge on the plant and how to grow it. So I did research. A lot of research. I bought, read and sifted through many books and articles. The first article I came across is what I have based most of my direction on:
If you read my profile, you know that I had a dream - a dream that many thought was crazy and bizarre. A lavender farm in New York state? When I thought of the idea there weren't any farms in NY that I could reference on the internet. Now we have a handful spread across the state. Initially, I had no land, little knowledge on the plant and how to grow it. So I did research. A lot of research. I bought, read and sifted through many books and articles. The first article I came across is what I have based most of my direction on:
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9 comments:
Am dreaming of having my own lavendar farm. Am living in the tri-city region, of NY State and wondering if the Adirondacks might be a good place to grow lavendar, or perhaps Canajohaire, NY. This article was helpful because at least now I know how much land is needed to start a lavendar farm, and that rich humus, calcium carbonate, and lime, are elements needed in soil for growing lavendar, and that having a soil survey done on land you might purchase to grow lavendar is sensible. So - Thanks for what seems like a complete ball of wax! Are there other important factors one should know, as well?
Lynn, Thanks for commenting. What is great with the soil survey a simple "go to the website" and check what the the soil is like gives you the fundamental basis of what your soil is then you can ammend it or change it as needed but it helps to know what soil you are getting into. What we have found is what is the reason for starting the venture? Our thoughts and concepts have changed over the past few years. We are not getting younger and the farm is a part time summer venture for us. We both work jobs that take us away from working on the farm. What it gives us though working the lavender is a true sense of calm and peace. We are working the lavender for us not for the community, but we share what we have with the community. You will never get rich from lavender. but you will find enjoyment in the planting, harvesting and nurturing of the plant. You will have to look for some hearty varieties of lavender that can with stand the winters. Wind breaks will help. You may have to look for other ideas of winter protection possibly. Grosso is a variety that has weathered NY winters for us.
Hi,
I have fallen in love with lavender after waking up to the sound of bees and the fragrance of wild lavender on a vacation in Greece. I am from the northern part of India, Punjab where it is hot in the summer upto 110 farenheit and for a few short months cold in the winter. We have a monsoon season for the months of July and August. I was wondering if it would be possible to grow the hardy variety of lavender in this climate.
thanks
Harmeet
Harmeet sorry it took so long to get back to you. Lavender is a warmth loving plant. depending on the variety of lavender your winters shouldn't be a problem. I think the worst problem for the lavender would be the monsoon seasons as lavender don't like to have their roots wet for extended periods. As long as they don't sit in puddles you will probably be okay. We live in the Northeast of America and there are varieties that are hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
What would the start up cost of a 10 acre lavender farm? How much for equipment?
We had 8 acres but that was not all lavender. That being said I have seen estimates of anywhere from 1000-2000 plants per acre. Equipment and help would be needed to process it all. Equipment can be expensive. Automatic harvesters that cut it but I don't think they bundle is in the $35-50,000 range. Tractor, equipment to prepare beds like a pull behind tiller. We used a an old ford 8N tractor we bought for $2500. The lavender was the more costly for us on our shoestring budget. You do have to think about where to dry the lavender as well. A building to dry 10 acres of lavender would be a large building averaging 3-5 bundles from each plant.
what other books did you find helpful when researching?
Hey how many seeds do i need per acre?
Lavender doesn't grow true from seed. You must use cutting from a plant or buy seedlings.
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