JW Farms: January 2026

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Lavender at Home A Simple DIY Guide

Lavender at Home

A Simple DIY Guide

This collection brings together traditional, easy-to-follow lavender projects designed for everyday life. Each guide reflects a thoughtful, uncomplicated approach — allowing lavender to remain familiar, useful, and quietly present.

Lavender Bath Salts

Lavender bath salts create a calm, grounding bathing experience without complexity.

You’ll Need

Epsom salt
Sea salt
Dried lavender buds
Lavender essential oil (optional, diluted)
Glass jar

How to Make

Combine salts in a bowl.
Add dried lavender buds.
If using essential oil, add sparingly and mix well.
Transfer to a clean jar and seal.

How to Use

Add ½ cup to warm bathwater and allow to dissolve.

Lavender Bath Oil

Bath oil adds moisture and gentle fragrance to the bath.

You’ll Need

Lavender-infused oil
Optional: vitamin E oil
Glass bottle

How to Make

Pour infused oil into a glass bottle.
Add vitamin E if desired.
Shake gently before use.

How to Use

Add a small amount to bathwater after filling the tub.

Lavender Lotion Bars

Lotion bars are solid moisturizers that soften with body warmth.

You’ll Need

Lavender-infused oil
Beeswax
Shea butter or cocoa butter
Saucepan and heat-safe jar
Silicone molds or tins

How to Make

Create a gentle water bath.
Melt equal parts oil, butter, and beeswax.
Stir gently and pour into molds.
Allow to cool completely.

How to Use

Warm briefly in hands and apply to dry skin.

Making a Lavender Pomander

Lavender pomanders are a traditional way to enjoy dried lavender while adding a simple decorative element to the home. This project is unhurried and forgiving, and it allows the lavender itself to take center stage.

What You’ll Need

A polystyrene ball (approximately 7 cm in diameter)
Dried lavender
Ribbon
A tassel (purchased or handmade from thread)
Large beads
A metal skewer
PVA glue
Florist wire and pliers
Lavender essential oil
A small spray bottle

Method

Begin by carefully poking a hole straight through the center of the polystyrene ball using the metal skewer. Doing this first makes the rest of the process easier, as the skewer gives you something to hold while working. I found it helpful to leave the skewer in place during the gluing stage.

Cover the entire surface of the ball with PVA glue, then gently press the dried lavender into the glue, working your way around until the ball is fully covered. Allow this to dry completely.

Once dry, check the surface carefully. Remove any stray stems and fill in small gaps as needed. The finished layer of lavender should be even, roughly about half a centimeter thick.

Because a pomander this size uses a relatively small amount of lavender, the fragrance may be subtle. To enhance it, lightly spray the surface with lavender essential oil and allow it to dry again before continuing.

Finishing the Pomander

When the lavender has fully dried, carefully remove the skewer. Thread a short length of florist wire through the center of the ball. The wire should be long enough to create a small loop at both the top and bottom.

At the bottom, attach the tassel by wiring it through a large bead. The bead helps anchor the tassel and prevents it from pulling upward.

At the top, tie the hanging loop onto the wire loop, adding a couple of beads for decoration if desired. Finish by tying a ribbon bow at the top to conceal the wire and create a clean, finished look.

Crafting Notes

To apply the essential oil evenly, I poured a 10 ml bottle of lavender essential oil into a small spray bottle.
When using essential oil, keep the pomander away from polished, painted, or synthetic surfaces, as oils may leave marks.
Adding essential oil allows you to choose dried lavender for color rather than fragrance, which can be helpful if you prefer deeper blue varieties.
The pomander can be refreshed occasionally with a light spritz or a drop or two of oil.
A high-tack PVA glue works especially well, as it helps hold the lavender in place while drying.

A Note From the Farm

Lavender pomanders are meant to age naturally. Over time, the color softens and the fragrance settles, becoming quieter and more familiar — a gentle presence rather than a statement.

Lavender Ball Garland

A garland adds fragrance and softness to a space.

You’ll Need

Finished lavender balls
Natural twine or ribbon

How to Make

Space balls evenly along twine.
Tie or stitch in place.
Hang where disturbance is minimal.

Lavender as a Natural Insect Repellent

Lavender’s scent has traditionally been used to discourage insects.

Simple Uses

Sachets in drawers or closets
Lavender balls near entryways
Lightly scented sprays (test first)

Gentle Spray

Mix water with a small amount of diluted lavender oil. Shake before use.

Lavender Potpourri

Potpourri allows lavender to remain present long after harvest.

You’ll Need

Dried lavender buds
Optional dried citrus peel or herbs
Bowl or fabric sachet

How to Make

Combine dried materials.
Mix gently.
Display in bowls or bags.

To refresh, lightly crush buds between fingers.

Care & Storage Tips

Store dried lavender in cool, dry spaces
Avoid humidity and direct sunlight
Handle gently to preserve fragrance

A Note From the Farm

These projects reflect lavender’s quiet usefulness. When kept simple and used with care, lavender becomes part of daily life rather than something set aside.

This guide reflects traditional and educational uses of lavender.

Caring for Dried Lavender Wreaths

Download our Free Caring for Dried Lavender Wreaths Here

Caring for Dried Lavender Wreaths

Lavender wreaths are meant to age naturally. With gentle care, they can hold their shape, color, and fragrance for many months.

This guide offers simple practices to help preserve your wreath without overhandling it.

Where to Display Your Wreath

Lavender wreaths last longest when placed:

Indoors or in covered spaces
Away from direct sunlight
In low-humidity environments
Out of high-traffic areas

Humidity and frequent contact are the most common causes of shedding.

Handling With Care

Handle wreaths gently
Avoid frequent repositioning
Expect some natural shedding

Dried lavender is delicate by nature.

Reducing Shedding

To help minimize shedding:

Avoid touching blooms unnecessarily
Keep wreaths away from heat sources
Lightly dust with a soft brush when needed

Some people choose to lightly mist wreaths with unscented hairspray to help stabilize stems. If used, apply sparingly and only once.

Seasonal Storage

When wreaths are not on display:

Wrap gently in tissue paper
Place flat in a box
Store in a cool, dry location

Avoid plastic wrapping, which can trap moisture.

A Note From the Farm

Lavender wreaths carry the season with them. Their beauty is not in perfection, but in how they soften and settle over time.

This guide reflects traditional and educational practices.

Why Proper Storage Matters for Dried Lavender

Download Our Dried Storage Guide Here

Why Proper Storage Matters for Dried Lavender

Proper storage is an extension of how lavender is grown and handled. When lavender is dried with care, how it is stored determines how long its fragrance, color, and usefulness will last.

Light, heat, humidity, and air all influence dried lavender over time. Paying attention to these elements allows lavender to retain its natural oils and remain enjoyable for months — often much longer.

Preserving Fragrance

Lavender’s fragrance comes from delicate natural oils held within the buds. Exposure to air, light, or excessive warmth can cause these oils to fade. Thoughtful storage helps protect what gives lavender its character.

Preventing Moisture Problems

Lavender does not tolerate moisture once dried. Humid conditions can encourage mold or mildew, which quickly ruins stored lavender. A dry environment is essential.

Maintaining Color

Dried lavender can lose its color if exposed to light or heat. Protecting it from direct sunlight helps preserve its appearance, especially when lavender is used decoratively.

Protecting From Pests

When stored properly, lavender naturally resists pests. Poor storage, however, can invite insects that damage buds and stems.

The Environment Matters

Lavender stores best when:

Kept out of direct light
Stored in a cool location
Protected from humidity
Shielded from excess air exposure

These conditions help lavender age gracefully rather than deteriorate.

Choosing Storage Containers

Several storage options work well:

Glass jars with tight-fitting lids
Metal tins
Dark or opaque containers
Cloth or paper bags for short-term storage

Whatever the container, keeping lavender dry and protected matters more than the material itself.

Preparing Lavender for Storage

Before storing lavender:

Ensure it is fully dried
Buds should feel crisp
Stems should snap cleanly

Some people remove buds from stems for convenience, while others store bundles intact. Either approach works when conditions are right.

A Note From the Farm

Lavender reflects the care given to it at every stage. Proper storage is not about control, but about allowing the plant’s qualities to remain present long after harvest.

This information reflects traditional and educational practices.

What Is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil is an essential oil distilled from the flowering tops of lavender plants, most commonly Lavandula angustifolia. It has been valued for generations for its fragrance and for the sense of calm it brings to everyday life.

The oil is produced through steam distillation, a method that gently captures the aromatic compounds found in lavender flowers. This process has been used traditionally to preserve the plant’s natural character without altering it.

There are many types of lavender grown throughout the world, each with its own scent and qualities. While lavender oil is often spoken of as a single product, oils can vary widely depending on the species, growing conditions, and how the plant is harvested and distilled.

Lavender oil made from Lavandula angustifolia is most often associated with gentle, calming uses. Oils made from other species, such as spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), have a sharper aroma and are traditionally used for different purposes.

Understanding these differences helps guide thoughtful and appropriate use.

A Long History of Use

Lavender oil has been part of household traditions for centuries. It was commonly used to freshen linens, scent rooms, support rest, and create a sense of comfort during stressful times.

Rather than being viewed as a treatment, lavender oil was often used as a companion — something that supported well-being through scent, ritual, and familiarity.

Many of these traditional uses continue today.

How Lavender Oil Is Traditionally Used

Lavender oil has most often been used in three gentle ways:

Aromatic Use

Diffusing lavender oil or inhaling its scent has long been associated with creating a calm, restful environment. This is one of the most common and accessible ways lavender oil is enjoyed.

Topical Use (Diluted)

When properly diluted in a carrier oil, lavender oil has traditionally been applied to the skin as part of massage, personal care, or comfort routines.

Environmental Use

Lavender oil has also been used to scent living spaces, linens, drawers, and clothing — offering both fragrance and a sense of cleanliness and calm.

Using Lavender Oil With Care

Lavender oil is concentrated and should always be treated with respect.

Traditional guidance includes:

Diluting before applying to the skin
Using small amounts
Avoiding sensitive areas such as eyes and mucous membranes
Being mindful of individual sensitivities

Lavender oil is not intended to replace medical care, and its use has historically been supportive rather than corrective.

Who Should Use Caution

As with many botanical preparations, lavender oil may not be suitable for everyone.

Those who are pregnant, nursing, managing hormone-related conditions, or caring for young children are traditionally advised to seek guidance from a qualified professional before use. Individual sensitivities can vary.

Storage and Handling

To preserve quality:

Store lavender oil in a cool, dark place
Keep bottles tightly closed
Avoid heat and direct sunlight

Proper storage helps maintain the oil’s aroma and integrity over time.

A Note From the Farm

Lavender oil is best understood not as a remedy, but as part of a larger relationship with the plant. When used thoughtfully, it supports moments of calm, rest, and reflection — the same qualities lavender has offered for generations.

Like growing lavender itself, using lavender oil well is guided by attention, restraint, and respect.

This information reflects traditional and educational uses of lavender oil and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Culinary Lavender Reference Guide

This post is designed as a printable reference CLICK HERE

Culinary Lavender Reference Guide

Lavender has been used in cooking for generations, but it rewards care and restraint. This reference is meant to serve as a simple guide — something to return to when choosing, using, or storing culinary lavender.

Lavender Best Suited for Cooking

For culinary use, choose English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) whenever possible. These varieties offer a softer flavor and lower camphor content.

Common culinary varieties include:

Hidcote – slightly fruity, well suited for baking
Royal Velvet – sweet with a mild citrus finish
Munstead – balanced, herbal, and versatile
Buena Vista – naturally sweet and consistent
Folgate – mild and approachable

Note: Some lavandins are grown for fragrance or oil and are not ideal for cooking. Provence is one exception, best used sparingly in savory dishes.

Which Part to Use

Buds: primary culinary use
Leaves: occasionally used in savory blends
Stems: not recommended

How Much to Use

Lavender should be subtle.

A good starting point:

½ to 1 teaspoon dried buds per recipe
For infusions: 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid, then taste

You can always add more. You cannot remove bitterness once it appears.

Best Uses by Type

Sweet dishes

Syrups
Sugars
Shortbread and baked goods
Ice cream and custards

Savory dishes

Meats and marinades
Salad dressings
Herb blends

Fresh vs. Dried Lavender

Dried lavender is easier to control and most commonly used
Fresh lavender is stronger; use less

Both should be grown without chemical treatments and intended for culinary use.

Steeping & Cooking Tips

Avoid long steeping times
Do not boil lavender
Taste frequently
Pair with citrus, honey, vanilla, or herbs

Storage Guidelines

Store in a cool, dry place
Protect from light and moisture
Handle gently to preserve oils

Properly stored lavender keeps flavor for 6–12 months or longer.

What to Avoid

Lavender grown for crafts or oil
Essential oils in cooking
Overuse

A Note From the Farm

Cooking with lavender mirrors how it is grown — thoughtfully, patiently, and with intention. When chosen carefully and used with restraint, lavender brings quiet depth rather than distraction.

This guide reflects traditional culinary understanding and is shared for educational purposes.

Culinary Lavender FAQ

Cooking with lavender often raises thoughtful questions. Because lavender is both fragrant and flavorful, a little understanding goes a long way. This guide gathers common questions and answers them simply, with care and clarity.

Is all lavender safe to eat?

No. Only certain lavender varieties are traditionally used for cooking. Culinary lavender is typically English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which has a softer, sweeter flavor and lower camphor content.

Lavender grown for crafts, oil production, or ornamental use may taste bitter or soapy and is best kept out of the kitchen.

What part of the lavender plant is used in cooking?

The buds are most commonly used. They carry the plant’s fragrance and flavor in a concentrated but manageable form. Stems and leaves are generally avoided in sweet dishes, though leaves may occasionally be used in savory blends.

How much lavender should I use?

Very little. Lavender is powerful, and restraint is essential.

It is always best to:

Start with less than you think you need
Taste as you go
Add slowly

Lavender should complement a dish quietly, not dominate it.

Why does lavender sometimes taste bitter or soapy?

This usually happens when:

The wrong variety is used
Too much lavender is added
Lavender is steeped too long

Choosing the right variety and limiting steep time helps preserve a pleasant, balanced flavor.

Can fresh lavender be used instead of dried?

Yes, but dried lavender is more commonly used because its flavor is easier to control. Fresh lavender contains more moisture and can be stronger than expected. If using fresh, reduce the quantity.

Is lavender better for sweet or savory dishes?

Lavender works in both, depending on the variety and amount used.

Sweeter varieties pair well with desserts and syrups
Slightly herbal or peppery varieties can complement savory dishes

In all cases, balance matters more than boldness.

Can I use lavender essential oil for cooking?

No. Essential oils are highly concentrated and are not interchangeable with culinary lavender buds. Cooking should only involve lavender that has been grown, harvested, and prepared specifically for culinary use.

How should culinary lavender be stored?

Store dried culinary lavender in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Gentle airflow and minimal handling help preserve fragrance and flavor over time.

How long does dried culinary lavender last?

When stored properly, dried lavender can remain flavorful for 6–12 months, often longer. Over time, its fragrance may soften, but its usefulness remains.

What is the best way to start cooking with lavender?

Begin with simple preparations:

Lavender syrup
Lavender sugar
Infusions for drinks

These methods allow you to become familiar with lavender’s flavor without risk of overuse.

A Note From the Farm

Cooking with lavender is much like growing it. Thoughtful choices, patience, and restraint make all the difference. When used with care, lavender becomes a quiet, refined ingredient that feels both traditional and comforting.

This FAQ reflects traditional culinary understanding and is shared for educational purposes.