Lavender Leaves : Harvesting, Preserving, and Uses

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NOTE: This information is meant for educational purposes only .I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling. Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

Thank you Heidi, I really felt that I should harvest so searched hoping you had a video

[@edieboudreau9637]

I remember lavender being woven into "sachet" for tea or put in lamb stew. It was used for soothing breathing. Edit: used to enjoy reading old manuscripts/ diaries. The whole plant was beneficial for nerves, too.

[@dottieholmes1623]

I also make a lavender/lemon pound cake and my favorite summer drink is lavender lemonade.

[@LittleJordanFarm]

Oh also thought of you the other day. I recieved my grandmother's treadle singer. Works great. A older cousin got it when she passed but when they passed I received it. Already made a patchwork pillow. Sorry..and blessings again

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

There are MANY more plusses than minuses to the way you are doing things now. There is no need to apologize. You've done nothing wrong! I'd be willing bet a dollar to a doughnut that NONE of us would have known the difference. Stop beating up on yourself :-D You're doing JUST FINE. And, if there's someone who disagrees with me .... speak now or forever hold your peace! I did not know that you could eat the leaves of lavender. And, who knew they held any kind of nutrition? NOT I!!! Lavender is on my list to grow this year, among many others, thanks to YOU!!! I recall your video (don't ask me which one) where you had just gotten your colander & how much you loved it. So, OF COURSE, I had to have one like Heidi's. hahaha! I have used it & used it & used it. And here I had been doing without something that would have made my life easier all these years. What a blessing! You can also put your edible flowers in ice cube trays, and they make very pretty additions to things like your raspberry water kefir :) Some REALLY INTERESTING and USEFUL info today, AS EVERY DAY :-D Thank you for sharing :-D Lots of love & prayers

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O man, I LOVE the idea you have with the flowers/ice cubes/Kefir! This would be very wonderful with borage and pansy flowers! I may even do that with the primrose as well (if I remember! haha)

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

:-D :-*

[@cindygere]

Hi Heidi, I am in the middle of making my rose pedal and lavender leaf vinegar. It smells so good! It started out slow so I added a little more sugar and now it’s nice and bubbly. Love your channel.🙏😄

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

Me....chewing on a lavender sprig ....and it is ....lovely!*

[@cherrysheets9909]

Thank you so much Heidi! This was so helpful in many ways. I really look forward to all of your videos, and especially the ones on herbs and flowers. You are a wealth of information, and I thank you, and God, for that!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Cherry!

[@valerieescabi6104]

Hi Heidi, God is good all the time. Hallelujah. Amen.💖💖🙏🏻

[@LittleCountryCabin]

The book of James is my favorite! Great video too😉. I learned so much. God bless ya'll❤️

[@PrincessAloeVera]

I'm SO glad you made this one! THANK YOU!

[@Crazyaboutpaper1]

Heidi, i just started watching your videos. Theyare very detailed , thank you. Since watching, i have bought feverfew, chamomile, lavender,stevia & the collection keeps growing.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Nice! I need to get some chamomile again, I had some a couple of years ago and it was doing great but both my plants ended up dying through the winter and did not come back - which is surprising to me. It should have self seeded at least but did not.

[@adrey2149]

Rain Country where do you live? Does it snow in the winter? Also, what do you recommend about helping herbs through the winter? I live in Manitoba, Canada, and it snows. I am not sure if I should cut all my mint leaves of of the shoot, and cut my lavender short, or leave it be. I also planted a bunch of basil for in April, inside of course, but there isn’t much there. One more thing, do you think I could make essential or infused oil with lavender leaves? I know you can with the flower... hope thats not too many questions! 😕😊

[@1970sureconnection]

I love this Lady!!!!! and the Lavender. I just bought 4 oz organic for $ 14.00

[@nicolemaecortez]

“Alright back in the house, In the kitchen OBVIOUSLY” kill me. 🤣 well thanks for sharing yours. ❤️ Philippines 🇵🇭

[@janeheichel2014]

Anxious to try this thank you Heidi for sharing I just planted some more basil but also some parsley, and thyme and some other herbs they are growing. I see your garden and get excited about my own. O btw my potatoes I planted in buckets are growing also. So happy

[@bbsbacktobasics7695]

Oh ya...I like that colender. Thanks for the share...

[@sabinabaldwin4118]

This is great! I have three types of lavender and was puzzled by why I didn't get many flowers last year. You're right- it's counterintuitive to pinch off the tops but you've convinced me to do this. THANK YOU, HEIDI! 🙏💞

[@lisabooker6405]

Perfect timing since I just bought my first lavender bush!! I won’t pick at it this year since I just got it but I know now what I can do with it! You are THE bestest EVER!!! Love you bunches! ~The Kid!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Depending on its size, pinching off a couple of the tops could really help it grow faster. I have done this with a couple of small plants I started from seed and they got really bushy.

[@lisabooker6405]

Rain Country It’s smallish but it does already have flowers. It is an English lavender according to the label. Little tiny cluster like purple flowers. Should I still pinch a few tops? I sure will. I put it in a HUGE pot, much bigger than it’ll need now but it’s what I had and it’ll have plenty of room to bush out. I put some fertilizer closer to the bottom to encourage the roots to head down. I read that’s what you should do in pots with “bushes” in them. And no fertilizer close to the top for the first three months? Idk? I just research, try, and see what happens with my choices like anybody I suppose. I really want it to live. I got berry bushes last year, brought them in for winter and the only one that lived was the mulberry. The raspberries and blackberries died and I’m not positive but I think my blueberry bushes are dead buuuut theirs a little life ish, maybe, kinda, sorta, I’m praying and my fingers and toes are crossed. Just gonna give them a bit outside and see if some fresh air helps? Idk? We shall see. A lot of wasted money if they die though! Ugh! Thanks for helping me. I love ya!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I think you should still pinch off a top or two, it will at increase your output of both leaves and flowers. Try not to think of it as wasted money (I know it is hard, went through that with the expensive dwarf citrus trees we bought years ago and they ALL died) try to think of it as a cheap education. Even if a whole garden fails, the education you get along the way is still cheaper and much more likely to be retained than any college course (laughingly called "higher education" bwahahaha)

[@lisabooker6405]

Rain Country HAHAHHAHA SO TRUE!! I’m gonna go pinch me some leaves! Hehe Thanks again and again! ♥️♥️♥️

[@aman4peace]

I had planted some small plant of lenender and trans planted it again to move it from the front yard it is half inches just small like she has THERE

[@MysMystery13]

I Love That When I Type Something Into YT Search, It Takes Me To A Video You Did On The Subject! I Don't Type Your Channel Name At All, YT Has Issues, But Not When It Comes To This! 😊

[@LittleJordanFarm]

Finally got some decent lavender harvested thanks for the info..and i was just thinking I love the small holes in that colander that colander is awesome. I'll be ordering that. Blessings stay well

[@cpproxy]

Thanks The Spanish/French lavender is used for perfumes. Maybe that's why you hated the tasted. Love making lavender tea with the leaves and in rice. So much great ideas in this vid. Thank you.

[@RachelEHumphreys]

Great video Heidi!! I always think you look so lovely when you wear that pretty green shirt! I have always wanted to try that ice cube method too! We will have to give it a go I guess. Thanks again! Hope you are well!! Much love Rachel 🤗

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Rachel! I really like that shirt too :)

[@OliviaNakirembe-gm1pi]

I'm happy for this video thanks for teaching us great

[@PokerHillFarm]

I was just outside doing this very thing- this morning!

[@livingfaithhomestead6645]

Binge watching your herb videos, love them!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O good! Hope you find them helpful!

[@kimwarburton8490]

@@RainCountryHomestead im doing same 2day xD Time to listen to my intuition n 22yr off/on intrest in wild medicinal herbs. Your vids r the best iv come across re info i wish to aquire/consolidate. I currently have a project to create some growing space in my lounge (wiv LEDs) ill be adding most of the herbs on ur playlist if theyll grow indoors. Iv many weeks been hunting for plants that r both edible and medicinal. I like ur approach. Iv turned prepper minded cos i fear food insecurity due to me/cfs (invisible disability not worked since 2014), soil infertility and increased crop failures worldwide spiking food prices. If im on a normal carb heavy diet im bedridden. Eating traditionally (clean paleo-keto) well lingest i lasted was 3mnths n i did a 5m/8km walk in the heavy clay muddy bottom of a driedup reservoir with 1 weeks' suffering but no energy issues bar weak tired normal overused lactic acid stuff. I was testing myself. Many of the herbs in ur playlist will save me buying suppliments 🖒 Wish id started when i was 12 🤔😔 You are frankly living the life i wish to create for myself. Thankyou so much for sharing all this wonderful info 😍

[@notthereyethomestead8413]

You are such a wealth of information, I never thought lavender was edible and could be used as a spice!! Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge and you are the reason that I got a nesco dehydrator last summer, and did I have fun!! I have not gotten back into canning, and I prefer this for nutrition reasons, also contemplating a freeze drier ( lay away plan) to add to my future stash!! Blessings!!

[@marieschieler1914]

Thank you for this video. My lavender plant is about ready for leaf harvest. We just cooked a ton of chicken on the grill so I’m liking your idea of pasta lavender leaves and thyme. My lemon thyme should be great in with the lavender leaves! 👍👍

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I love lemon thyme! I used to have some and use it a lot but for some odd reason, they all died on me even though they were pretty healthy for a couple of years.

[@DavidFullard]

Lavender has the same effect as valium when eaten. enjoy.

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

oh hello.

[@alexandrafigueroa368]

...fr?

[@SergioGarcia-oy5qc]

Really so it helps with pain

[@caitlynraebex7401]

Is this true? I have been on my herbal medicinal journey for about a year now. How would I make it to where it still has all the good stuff?

[@MarielikestoCrochet]

Really!

[@Dadsmimi]

Thanks so much! FYI: try basil in ice cubes.

[@mymobilehomestead6242]

thank you so much for sharing

[@RayMak]

Thank you for doing this. I learn a lot from you

[@lynnettetaylor4314]

I just found you! Thank you I did not know you could use the leaves.

[@countrygalinthecity]

I like the leaves better than the flowers too...lol.i think they smell stronger

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

Do they smell like the flower? If you were gonna use lavender for an infused oil would you use leaves as well?

[@countrygalinthecity]

I use the leaves for oil as well...

[@caitlynraebex7401]

Can I use the leaves in teas?

[@dwgagnonhomestead7063]

Good information!

[@bbsbacktobasics7695]

Hi Heidi, your herb garden is looking great😀 I didn't realize that you could harvest the leaves until now. I got 5 English lavender plants this year. I just love them. I also live "Russian Sage" it's a real pretty plant and smells very similar to lavender. I'd like to get some. We have them at my work sight and they do beautiful in our area. Very nice video, thanks a bunch 😆

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Brenda :D

[@MarielikestoCrochet]

I have a plant and the leaves smell so good and I was like I wonder if I could cook with them!

[@mariebarnes416]

The Spanish lavender blooms at a the top.

[@cathleencaratan3373]

Lavender grows all over the Croatian island that we are from. I have always loved the smell. My last few plants didn’t fare too well where I had them. I and going to clear out a bed in the front yard when what’s in there now gets harvested, and make that a lavender bed.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Mine like it best here right up next to the house where they can be a bit sheltered from our heavy rains and kept warmer there as well.

[@jackeekp]

another great video, missed adding the links one was Herbs for teas, second was Making Dehydrator Racks, I'm heading to find the Herbs for teas video, Thank You for sharing

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O oops! I forgot to check that! I will get that done, thank you!

[@jackeekp]

Hope it was ok to remind you, I know how much gardens take up your time, and have only heard the time gone into videos, just a helping hand, Thank You Again for all you do

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O absolutely! I usually try to tell people to remind me if I forget because it does happen! haha

[@RainCountryHomestead]

So I realized the tea video you were talking about is the one I was suppose to publish first! I got it backwards! hahaha! I will publish it tomorrow though :D

[@jackeekp]

looking forward to it coming out, my first try at soda in 2 to 3 days, thank you for the video

[@angiekrajewski6419]

Thank you for all your tips i am reçent on your youtube.,so interesting!!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Welcome Angie and Thank you!

[@morganwoodsfarm-kim1060]

Thank you for this video. I started some seeds indoors a couple days ago. I really should have read the package when I purchased them a few weeks ago and started them then...for my area 8-10 weeks before last anticipated spring frost. They can be transplanted out in my area in June. I am happy they are labeled English Lavender. The package says 90 days to harvest, I hope I'm not too late. I am zone 5a :-(

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Lavender can be difficult to grow from seed, I have done it a few times but each time I only ended up with one plant by the end out of several seeds planted. It is really best to just buy a start especially if you want to start harvesting from it immediately.

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

I really have to get on of the herb books youve spoke about. I had no idea you could harvest the leaves. Harvesting and cutting back has been the hardest part of growing herbs. I never know if im doing it right. I am amazed that my lavender makes it through hard winters even though its not cut down all the way.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

When it comes to most perennial herbs, there isn't much you can mess up when it comes to harvesting or cutting back as any kind of pruning or cutting with cause them to just produce more. Each spot a plant is cut will split into two new parts, thus doubling the amount coming off that stem. So really, it is nothing to fear and I never follow any strict guidelines when it comes to it, I just do it and then watch how the plant reacts

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

@@RainCountryHomestead herbs were probably a good first choice for me. They have been easy and forgiving

[@valerieelfering692]

I've heard of people freezing their herbs in oil in ice cube trays for using in cooking later. Great idea! I need to do that someday. Or freezing mint or lavender in water for yummy infused drinks.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have heard of this too but have never actually tried it. It would be a great way to have a more fresh tasting herbs for certain recipes

[@caroloa3301]

We chop and freeze cilantro and that works great!

[@his-sweetie]

Thank you.

[@marieharding3848]

Hi there Heidi! I'm from Australia and new to your channel. Just wanted to say that you're very inspiring and I enjoy watching your video's :)

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Welcome Marie and thank you so much! :D

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

Hi Marie & welcome :-D You'll LOVE it here!!!

[@marieharding3848]

Thanks Kathleen for your lovely welcome. I found myself watching Heidi's videos nearly every night.

[@marieharding3848]

Thank you for the welcome :)

[@karisecramar6718]

Jean Valnet ....the practice of aromatherapy, its a book I just got ,it has it in there

[@MarysNest]

Hi Heidi, Thank you so much for recommending English Lavender. I have various Lavender in my garden and I have lots track of which is which!! LOL!! But watching your video has helped me because now I *think* I know which one is the English Lavender. As always, lots of great advice. You are SUCH a wealth of knowledge!! Love, Mary

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did the same thing, I bought all these different lavender plants but then could not remember which was which! haha

[@paulielandfried4545]

Yes you are , a real pleasure for usseekers of better homemade herbs................................

[@grandma_1887]

And all the time , God is good !

[@hollyhock3945]

I did not know the leaves were edible. Will have to try that. When you freeze your fresh herbs for sauces or soup you might use olive oil in, freeze them in that instead of water. I know my pesto keeps It's color better when frozen if I pour just enough to cover the top before freezing. Loved the video.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I meant to say the oil thing too as I had also read about that, that one makes more sense for using in something like a sauce or a saute.

[@themscrabb]

Hi Heidi! I absolutely love watching your videos! I didn’t know you were in Forks when I first subscribed but I just saw the address in the description. I live in Port Angeles and my moms family is from Forks. Maybe we’ll bump into each other someday and I’ll get to say “hey, I know you!” 😊. Anyway, I’m looking forward to your next video!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Haha! That would be cool! :D

[@lharchmage6908]

Lavender stress reduction, High antioxidant. Also good for rashes(best if oil is reduced out.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, lavender has many medicinal and health benefits and it is easy to find all kinds of information about the flower, it is information on the leaves in particular that is difficult to find. I will be doing a separate video just on the flowers, this was solely on the leaves.

[@lharchmage6908]

I was talking about the leaves. The flower has the same properties and even more. Crush and distill the leaves to make an oil for soapmaking.

[@simplygramma4454]

Thanks Heidi. I learn so much from you. Question. My herbs are not ready to harvest. So what’s something good for a bad cough? My daughters had one for almost a month now. Conventional medicine is no help and neither are the doctors. I’ll have to go to the health store to get it. Thanks for any ideas you have.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Homemade elderberry syrup with honey, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger is very helpful. One could consider adding some lemon to it as well. Here is how I make mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnfYeod3bphnq6s

[@simplygramma4454]

Thank you Heidi. I’ll watch the video and pass it on to her.

[@margaritacastaneda287]

Is it best to use the leaves instead of the flowers for making jelly or jam? Since the leaves have a sweeter taste? And, would English species be best for such a project. Have you ever made Rosemary Jam? You are my HERO and I just love all your projects. Thank you sister!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, the leaves would be MUCH better for something like that and the English for sure. Some other varieties have rather bitter leaves, not sweet and mild like the English. I have never made or even tried rosemary jam, sounds interesting

[@funluvnrm]

Such an awesome & welcoming, educating video, thank you so much... The ice cubes are wonderful & have been a while since I've had the privilege, as my freezer no longer exist. Now that's anutter/another novel, giggles. I've use bone broth, beef, chicken broth, oil, tomato sauce & the desired herbs etc.! Going to have to search for a mini frostless freezer, as I live in an apartment, but sure would open more positive doors as the ice cubes & more... 😘 🌹🌈💞🎵🌷🌺🌸😆👏👍💫🌟💛 ☘️ ☘️~"1 & all please take care of you & for others that need you through these trying times"~ 😘 ~"Love, Hope, Peace, Kindness, Dreams, Inspiration, Laughter, Joy, Give, Live & Let Live"~

[@susanolson4486]

Heidi, I cut down my lavender about 3 weeks ago in preparation for our MN winter. Should I not use those leaves for (my first attempt at) making anything with lavender? They've been sitting in our cool garage since I cut them.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can but there may not be as much benefits as there are in the spring and summer

[@kumbukanizulu9859]

God is good all the time

[@TheMons26]

Please post the video about cleaning herbs for tea!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I just realized I published the videos out of order so it is not actually up yet. I will publish it in the next few days. Sorry about that

[@TheMons26]

Rain Country Looking forward to it!

[@countrygalinthecity]

What kind of lavender do you like best?

[@piolinmetsti2682]

Hi Heidi, have you ever try to make Herbes de Provence? Are a mixture of dried herbs like basil, marjoram, and tarragon, but it's the dried lavender that gives this blend of summer herbs its unexpected magic. I use it a lot and I love it.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I believe I have heard of it but never tried it. Sounds interesting :)

[@edieboudreau9637]

Flower Power by Anne McIntyre States many uses for the essential oils & the tea ( implied usage of leaves) flowers are specifically mentioned separately. Gives more than 1 list of medicinal uses. Main info on page 145.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Good to know SOME one has information out there as I looked in my books and online and could find nothing on the leaves.

[@edieboudreau9637]

Rain Country I think with lavender leaves it was such common knowledge for so long that it wasn't written down much as most people knew of it. Also that essential oils generally use leaves & stems in traditional old medicines. Unfortunately much of the older manuscripts in this field haven't been seen as that important to transcribe for modern consumption or even to put on internet with translations. And most scholars traditionally weren't interested in such a "feminine" plant.

[@Thedeannasmith]

Do you do vicks plant the same way? I’m trying to find a way to make something out of my vicks plant before it gets to cold.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Vick's plant and Cuban Oregano are the same thing. It is the leaves that are used. I had one but it died over the winter and never had a chance to dehydrating them

[@Eyes2C.]

Hi Heidi. I just harvested a basket full of lavendar. I was making bundles when i noticed, aphids on them. Help! What do I do? Should I hose them down?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I would just rinse them off, they won't hurt anything. I am surprised aphids would be on lavender but you can try making my homemade natural bug spray for them and see if that helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKmnenZ7jNZ0iMk

[@sharonedwards716]

I dry my herbs in the oven with the door closed and the light on. Can only do a single layer at a time. I didn't really like to use a dehydrator. Thanks for the information.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I use the electric dehydrators run off solar power in the sunny months and my wood stove in the winter months because Patrick built me a special rack for using on or near our wood stove.

[@sharonedwards716]

Very nice Rain Country. Racks would be nice. lol

[@annadelong23]

What temp do you use and for how long?

[@sharonedwards716]

@@annadelong23 If you are wanting to do them in your oven there is no heat turned on for the oven. Heat from the oven light by itself provides all the heat that is required to dry your leaves. There is no set time but I find for tiny leaves like thyme they will dry overnight. You have to feel them to see if they are ready. Once I take them out of the oven I will wait until they cool off and are still "crispy" before I put them in glass jars and store in a cupboard so they are out of the light.

[@paulielandfried4545]

Also wishing to know how to make elderberry syrup, the best for coughs as well as pineapple juice.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnfYeod3bphnq6s

[@bbsbacktobasics7695]

When is the best to harvest thyme.? I started my this year by seed and it's kinda little yet:)

[@RainCountryHomestead]

My thyme has just barely started growing this year. Seems it typically starts taking off once we have consistent warm weather. I still have a bit I can harvest fresh but not much yet. If it is simply a young plant, you should be able to start pinching off a bit here and there now, it will still help increase its production

[@gailsmall8300]

I just planted my first lavender plant. I'm in zone 9b Florida. Is it ok to harvest now ?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I would not know anything about your zone and even if I did, it would not tell me how far along your plants are. Even places in the same zone can be very different in what time of the season their plants are ready, I know the leaves on mine are ready for harvest

[@susantaylor8507]

My lavender I did have they all died on me so I'm trying again this year but there not coming up yet in the starter pots

[@RainCountryHomestead]

lavender can take awhile to germinate. A lot of perennial herbs are this way

[@kiarajoonlmh7070]

Does anyone know if leaves can be used for teas alone or in combination with other herbs

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, of course, you can use them alone. I simply prefer to make blends most of the time

[@fizer718]

Gonna admit I didn’t even think about eating the lavender…. I just make oils from it. Good to know

[@MsCoco231]

God is good!

[@carolhamilton5164]

What about the leaves after they have flowered? Can they be used?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Good question Carol, yes they can but I have found that the flavor changes after it flowers and is not quite as good plus they become more sparse as happens with most plants.

[@carolhamilton5164]

Rain Country thanks as always I can count on you to reply as so many don’t!

[@dorothyczygmunt5232]

Hello Heidi... I am looking for something to wash my hair I have course hair that tends to be dry or frizzy. What herbs would you suggest to help . Many thanks and God bless 🙏 🌻

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Here is my video on hair natural care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5iogKCwbs1sZtE

[@zelmuzic3353]

Should I rinse the leaves before drying them? probably a dumb question

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not a dumb question at all. I personally do not rinse them, but if they were out where the dog could pee on them, I would, haha! It really just depends on you :)

[@lettuceforlife4827]

I personally like to wash mine

[@tapangasoul6928]

Can you include Lavender Leaves in a tincture? Can you use all parts of the lavender for a tincture (Stems, Leafs, and Flowers).

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you can

[@tapangasoul6928]

Rain Country Thank Youuuu ☺️. How do you store your dried herbs? I just had a garden herb mix in a small jar go rancid in 2 weeks.

[@jcgirl3]

Tapanga Soul did you happen to put silica gel packages in with them?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@tapangasoul6928 Sorry I missed your last comment before, if your herbs were not fully dry, this can cause them to spoil. I personally do not ever bother with adding any kind of gel pack or oxygen absorbers but it is important that they are fully

[@julyjoy6756]

Can the lavender leaves be used in the fall as well?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

They won't hurt but the flavor and nutrients will not be as good

[@AllisonKhanAAK]

What kind of dehydrator do you recommend?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have the Nesco but many people like the Excalibur

[@simplyblessed7036]

English lavender doesn’t grow well in the south so I’m growing sensational and phenomenal lavender

[@BlueGardenCottage]

OOOH, so they can be used as a herb for salads too? I wonder if they will go into smoothies and juices too then....One way I can hide them in stuff where my family will find it less of an obstacle.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you could add them to smoothies. I have been making a peppermint and lavender leaf tea that is quite tasty and also using them in my water kefir.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

I picked up a pack of seeds from the store called Lady lavender. They have germinated and I just transplanted them. Have you ever heard of those?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

No I haven't, I wonder what the scent is like, I have grown a lavender where I hated the scent and the leaves did not have that nice flavor. I probably mentioned that in this old video but I do not recall

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@RainCountryHomestead Yes you did say that in one of your videos and you said that you ripped the plants out which I also would have done! I hope these are not the ones that you didn’t like!😂Whatever kind of lavender I have growing in my aero garden, the leaves taste delicious! It taste so good in tea. aero garden doesn’t always tell you what kind of plant it is it just says lavender on the label. That is why I like to grow my own seeds in it sometimes: The plant is not that big yet and it is still growing in water so I cut the flowers off and did not let them open because I want the plant to get bushier before I plant it outside. I will keep you posted on how this lady lavender turns out!🥰

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@RainCountryHomestead ok I found this, Lady lavender is the one I bought seeds for.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

Here is a video that explains it kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3rRnoiKeLqhqq8

[@bethaspell1827]

Have you ever tried them in a tea or lemonade?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not yet simply because I had not thought of it so thanks for the ideas! They would be good in tea for sure! I will do that tonight and maybe try adding some fresh to today's batch of water kefir as well :D

[@bethaspell1827]

Rain Country let me know how it turns out please.

[@majorvictory3231]

Do you make your own lavendaer oil?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not essential oil, I still need to buy or make a distiller first, but I have infused it before and likely will again

[@AulesHammer]

Can I use the leaves for tea? Or is it strictly the buds?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O yes, for certain, I even have a video or two using the lavender leaves in tea, it makes a nice tasting tea :)

[@AulesHammer]

@@RainCountryHomestead can you guide me to it please? I can't seem to find it!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@AulesHammer I cannot find it either so many it was something I talked about in a This N That. Really though, just take the leaves, dried or fresh, add the to so hot water and allow to steep for several minutes

[@jcgirl3]

I just read that the properties of the flowers are also in the leaves, just less powerful.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That is pretty much what I have figured

[@susantaylor8507]

Are they wild dandelions or the herb dandelions

[@RainCountryHomestead]

All dandelions are wild herbs.

[@countrygalinthecity]

Nevermind, you just answered...lol

[@ArthurMorganOoO]

llike it

[@jamietarbell6907]

I was wondering..how do you seal your jars for the herbs? And do you have to seal the jars ?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This is an old video and now I only use the second method shown in it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJqwmIiFma-LjJY For most herbs, if they are fully dried, no, you do no need to vacuum seal but to insure they will stay good for years, vacuum sealing is recommended. I have a new video coming out on this in about a week

[@lovejanie2577]

What is the smell of the lavander leaves?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Light and slightly sweet

[@rosettaciliberto7453]

Can u dry herbs in oven

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, at a very low heat. Please see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4Ssioh3faZ6hsU

[@countrygalinthecity]

My dehydrater doesn't have a thermometer on it

[@edieboudreau9637]

Abby Boehm you can find out temp it keeps with a meat/ oven thermometer in the old style. Pyr it on a shelf and check it.

[@Kitty-zq8sx]

in summer can use inside car thats closed up

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I know many that do this, though I would recommend cracking windows open so moisture can escape from the car

[@countrygalinthecity]

I'm so affraid my lavender isn't coming back😢...not seeing any green

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I thought the same about mine the week before shooting this video then suddenly there was all that new green. I recorded this a few days ago and already there is a bunch of new fresh leaves so if you are in a cooler climate, they may still need a bit more time

[@MysMystery13]

My Lavender Is Silvery Colored , Like Sage... Not Really Green Like Your's. 😕 Though The Flowers Are Small, And All The Way Down The Flower Stem.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Most of mine look more silver later when they start to flower, early spring when I harvest the leaves, they look more green

[@MysMystery13]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thanks. We Just Got These, This Year. So I've No Idea About Spring Growth. Can The Leaves Be Harvested Silver? I Like To Use Whatever Natural I Can For Tea's. ... I Drink Alot! LOL

[@MrWaytos]

Hi So my lavender is Spanish and looking for suggestions on its bounty. Thx in advance

[@melissafinnerty4832]

I wish you would stick to the main subject and not drift off to other subjects. It gets confusing when I'm trying to take notes.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am not prefect and this is a pretty old video. I have since tried to get better at editing out things that are unnecessary and to stay on point but if I think there are good points for people to know, I will leave it in. Just remember, even though this information may be irritating and confusing, at least it did not cost you anything for the time I put into doing this

[@melissafinnerty4832]

@@RainCountryHomestead I'm sorry. You are so good at what you are doing ! I very much enjoy all your information but I guess I I'm just impatient when I'm looking to learn something that I need to know , it drives me crazy when it takes five to 10 minutes to get the subject I'm trying to learn about. Please do not be harden by my comment.

[@jcgirl3]

That not tasty lavender is the lavender Stuchas