How to Plant Lavender Under Citrus Trees

One way to control pests without pesticides or insecticides is through companion planting -- growing different plants next to each other. Growing lavender under a citrus tree will help keep aphids and whitefly from infesting the tree. And because both citrus trees and lavender like the sun, they make good companions. Wait until after the final frost before planting the lavender to allow the roots to develop sufficiently while the weather is warm and the ground soft.

Garden gloves
Spade
Compost
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Choose an area under the citrus tree with good drainage and soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If necessary, add compost to loosen the soil and help balance its pH.
- 2
  Dig a hole just larger and deeper than the pot the lavender plant came in.
- 3
  Gently shake the lavender plant loose from its pot and look at the roots. If they are tightly entwined, pull them apart with your fingers to encourage them to grow and spread. Then place the lavender plant in the hole.
- 4
  Push the dirt (and compost, if used) removed to form the hole back around the new lavender plant, filling in any remaining space. Gently press the soil around the lavender plant to help secure it.
- 5
  Plant multiple lavender plants the same distance apart as their projected full-growth height. If the lavender is expected to grow 2 feet tall, keep each lavender plant 2 feet apart.
- 6
  Water the newly planted lavender but don't soak the plants. Lavender prefers drier conditions.

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