Lavender provides not only fragrant and delicate esthetic charm to gardens but also provides various culinary and medicinal purposes. Furthermore, it blends seamlessly with gourmet cuisine, beverages, and skincare creations. Imagine the enjoyment of growing your very own lavender and exploring the benefits, beauty, and aroma it can bring into your home. This guide is designed to provide an understanding of the growing process.  A Guide to Growing Lavender Growing lavender is a straightforward process that enhances any home environment, indoors or in the garden. The key to having lavender flourish is to have well-drained soil, whether it is in a container or a garden bed. Additionally, selecting a location with a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight is important. Lavender proves responsive to indoor and outdoor growth, making it an outstanding choice for various garden and living arrangements. When propagated from seeds, lavender typically matures to its full state after a year of care. In its initial year, lavender may grow to a modest bloom, offering a glimpse of its aromatic potential. Then, by their second season, they should be in full bloom, providing an abundance of scented flowers to enjoy. To grow lavender from seed, get a light, seed-specific potting mix, then cover each seed lightly with a thin coating of soil. Lavender germinates faster when exposed to sunshine, so don't completely cover them. Place the seedlings in a warm location or use a heating mat to keep them warm. It is essential to note that light is imperative for the germination process. If natural sunlight is unavailable, consider using artificial plant lights. Keep the soil temperature between 60- and 65-degrees Fahrenheit for the best germination rate. Monitor the temperature with a soil thermometer. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering and placing the seedlings somewhere with adequate airflow will help reduce overwatering. When the seedlings are a few inches tall and have a few sets of leaves, it's time to harden them off. It's the process of acclimating seedlings to the outdoors to boost their chances of survival after transplantation. This means taking the seedlings outside for brief periods, first in a more covered position and then gradually pushing them into more open locations. This way, your seedlings should be ready to transplant in a few weeks. Water your transplants once or twice a week while they are settling in. After a few weeks, your lavender's roots should be established, and you can reduce watering to once every two to three weeks. When it starts to bloom, reduce your watering to once or twice a week, as plants require more water and nutrients. While acquiring the skill of growing lavender from seeds may pose a challenge, the rewards are so great. It demands time, patience, and diligence; however, the sight of a thriving garden with lavender will fill you with pride and satisfaction, validating your dedicated efforts. Contact Bentley Seed Co. to start growing lavender or to learn about the abundance of vegetable and flower seed packets we provide! Our seed packets are the perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, and memorials. Shop today!

You’re likely aware of GMOs and their presence in a variety of food products, but did you know that even some seeds are genetically engineered? In fact, it’s estimated that more than 90% of corn, soybean, and cotton in America are planted with GMO. The seemingly widespread adoption of these seeds might make it seem like GMO seeds are safe and beneficial, but there are significant negatives to using them. Here’s why it’s important to use non GMO seeds: What are non GMO seeds? Before getting into the importance of using non GMO seeds, let’s first clarify what they are. After all, you might be wondering, “What are non GMO seeds?” Also called organic seeds, non GMO seeds are seeds that have been cultivated through pollination. They have not been genetically engineered or genetically modified in any way. Risks of using genetically engineered seeds There are two main risks to using GMO seeds – the unknown long-term health effects on humans and animals and the potential for soil contamination. In addition to these negatives, genetically engineered seeds cannot be saved after a harvest, and they can only produce a single generation of crops that have similar characteristics. The increasing use of GMO seeds could potentially lead to a significant loss of biodiversity. Why use non GMO seeds Gardening and farming with non GMO seeds is always the better choice. They are naturally produced in the same way nature has been doing for thousands of years and can be saved after a harvest. Additionally, non GMO seeds simply produce foods that are tastier and healthier. With the majority of major crops in the US using genetically engineered seeds, it can be difficult to find non GMO seeds for your home garden. Not when you shop with us. At Bentley Seed Co, you can find a variety of organic and uncoated vegetable seeds, herb seeds, flowers, seeds, and more. We have everything you and your garden needs, so explore our selection of home gardening products today!