Starting a Lavender Farm
Lavender Creek: Starting a Lavender Farm
How to Start a Lavender Farm
Welcome to Lavender Creek, a family-run lavender farm nestled in the golden hills of Monterey County, California. We grow lavender to spread relaxation, comfort, and the soothing scent of nature. In a new video produced by American AgCredit, you can see aerial drone footage of our blooming fields and hear our story (link below).
In this post we’ll cover the essential steps we took to start a lavender farm, the many benefits of lavender farming, and how support from American AgCredit helped us succeed. Whether you’re dreaming of your own lavender farm or looking to enjoy lavender products (like our Lavender Refreshment Towels used in healthcare and hospitality), we hope our experience offers useful guidance.
Lavender fields at Lavender Creek bloom in spring. Proper spacing (about 2–3 feet between plants) and full sun help our rows flourish. Choosing a sunny, well-drained site was our first step. Lavender thrives in full sun with good air circulation[1]. We selected land with sandy-loam soil (pH ~6.5–7.5)[1] to match lavender’s preference for slightly alkaline, well-drained earth. (Lavender does not do well in waterlogged or clay-heavy soils[1][2].) Once we had the site ready, we followed these essential steps:
- Select a sunny, well-drained location. Lavender loves hot, dry summers and mild winters – a Mediterranean-type climate[3]. Pick ground with excellent drainage (sand or sandy loam) and full sun[1]. Good air flow between plants will prevent fungal rots.
- Prepare the soil. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient content. Lavender thrives at pH 6.5–7.5[1]. If soil is too acidic, add lime; if it’s heavy or clayey, mix in lots of sand, gravel or organic matter to improve drainage[2]. Amendments now save headaches later.
- Choose the right varieties. Many lavender types exist. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is very fragrant and cold-hardy, while French (L. dentata) and lavandin hybrids (L. x intermedia) often yield more flowers and oil[4]. Pick varieties suited to your climate and product goals – some for showy blooms, others for essential oil production.
- Plant in spring and space properly. Plant young lavender in early spring after frost risk. Space bushes about 2–3 feet apart (with 3–6 feet between rows) so each plant has room for air and light[5]. Proper spacing is critical for good air circulation and disease prevention.
- Watering and maintenance. Water newly planted lavender regularly until established, but do not Once mature, lavender is drought-tolerant and even dislikes “wet feet”[1]. Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Prune plants lightly each year after flowering to keep them bushy and healthy.
- Harvest at peak bloom. Cut lavender stems when about one-third to one-half of the flower buds on each stem are open[6]. This timing captures maximum fragrance and oil while the flowers are still colorful. Harvest in the cool morning after dew dries and before midday heat for best quality[6].
Starting a lavender farm requires patience and dedication, but by following these steps you’ll be on solid ground.
The Benefits of Growing Lavender
Lavender farming has many advantages for growers, consumers, and the environment:
- Environmental benefits: Lavender is a low-input It’s drought-resistant and requires little fertilizer or pesticides[1]. Importantly, its purple blooms attract bees and butterflies, boosting biodiversity and pollination on the farm[7]. By planting lavender, you help support pollinator populations and a healthier ecosystem.
- Economic potential: Lavender products have strong demand and diverse revenue streams. You can sell dried blossoms, essential oils, sachets, soaps, lotions, teas, culinary herbs, and more[8]. In fact, the global market for lavender oil is growing quickly – projected to rise from about US$120.6 million in 2025 to $287.3 million by 2032[9]. That market growth reflects rising consumer interest in natural, aromatic products. By diversifying into multiple lavender items (and unique products like our Lavender Refreshment Towels), farmers can tap into wellness, beauty, and gift markets nationwide.
- Health and wellness advantages: Lavender is renowned for its soothing, stress-relieving properties. Studies show lavender oil promotes relaxation and can significantly reduce anxiety and stress when inhaled[10]. Because of these benefits, lavender aromatherapy is used in many healthcare settings. Hospitals and care facilities often include lavender-scented items in wellness programs (sometimes called “Code Lavender”) to help patients and staff unwind[11][10]. At Lavender Creek we supply dozens of hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes with our lavender products (including Refreshment Towels), helping them create a calmer environment.
In short, growing lavender supports sustainable farming (less water, natural pest resistance) and provides plants people love. This friendly purple herb benefits the planet, people, and your farm business when managed well.
From Corporate Careers to Lavender Farming
Our co-founders Ryan and Myriah bring a unique blend of skills to Lavender Creek. Ryan spent over a decade in sales and product management, successfully launching new brands in major retailers like Target and Walmart. His marketing experience taught us how to understand customers and position lavender products competitively. On the other hand, Myriah’s 25-year background in accounting and finance has been crucial for the farm. Her budgeting, financial planning, and strategic oversight ensured that we made smart investments in land, equipment, and marketing.
Leaving their corporate jobs was challenging but driven by a shared passion for nature and wellness. By combining Ryan’s marketing savvy with Myriah’s financial expertise, we built Lavender Creek on a solid foundation. Together we navigated the ups and downs of start-up farming – from setting up irrigation to perfecting our distillation process. Our journey (and the new AgCredit video interview) highlights how two entrepreneurs applied business skills to grow a successful farm and brand.
The Role of American AgCredit
Starting a farm requires significant capital investment – land, plants, tools, and infrastructure all cost money. American AgCredit (part of the Farm Credit network) provided the financial support we needed. Their loans enabled us to purchase our land and cover startup costs, giving us confidence to move forward. Beyond financing, AgCredit’s team offered agribusiness guidance and introduced us to other resources. Working with AgCredit’s marketing professionals was also a bonus – they helped us tell our story effectively. We are very grateful for their partnership; without it, Lavender Creek might not have taken root.
Tips for Running Your Lavender Farm
Growing lavender is one thing – selling it successfully is another. Here are some practical tips we’ve learned:
- Diversify your products. Don’t rely on just fresh lavender stems. Create a line of goods: essential oils, lotions, sachets, culinary herbs, herbal teas, and more. Consider specialty items like our Lavender Refreshment Towels – moist cotton towels infused with lavender scent. These are popular in hospitality and healthcare (for example, handed out to patients or hotel guests) and add a unique revenue stream. Offering a variety of lavender-infused products appeals to more customers and smooths out income over the year.
- Engage with your community. Participate in local farmers’ markets, county fairs, and craft festivals. Let people see and smell the lavender in person. Community events and workshops build goodwill and brand awareness. We’ve found that giving out product samples or doing on-farm classes (when feasible) creates loyal customers. Networking with other local farmers and businesses can also open wholesale opportunities.
- Use social media and storytelling. A picture of a blooming lavender field or a behind-the-scenes video can go viral. We actively post on Instagram and Facebook about our farm life, harvests, and products. Share your journey, people love authentic farm stories. Social media is a free and powerful way to reach customers nationwide. Good photography of your fields and products is key.
- Explore agritourism. When your farm grows, consider hosting tours, U-pick events, or weddings and workshops on-site. Many successful lavender farms offer “Lavender U-Pick” or seasonal festivals, which attract visitors and extra income. Agritourism can turn your lavender farm into a destination and create new revenue, but it’s a big commitment in time and insurance, so plan carefully.
By diversifying your offerings, engaging customers face-to-face and online, and exploring agritourism, you can build a thriving lavender farm business.
The Future of Lavender Creek
We believe lavender is a magic plant for modern life – it connects people to nature and promotes well-being. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our product line (like the Refreshment Towels) and reach more customers across the country through our webstore and wholesale channels. We’re excited about partnering with more hotels, spas, and healthcare providers to introduce them to Lavender Creek’s products. On the farm itself, our vision is to build a wellness retreat. As we grow, we’ll continue sustainable practices (like our solar-powered irrigation) to care for the land and community.
For now, we’re grateful for every milestone: the fields in bloom, the online orders, and the stories shared by customers who find comfort in our lavender. We’ll keep nurturing Lavender Creek into a place of fragrance, relaxation, and community.
Conclusion
We hope our story and tips inspire you to explore lavender farming or simply enjoy this wonderful plant’s benefits. Whether you want to start a lavender farm of your own or bring lavender into your life, there are so many ways to tap into lavender’s charm. Visit our webstore or contact us to learn more about our products – from essential oils and dried bouquets to our popular Lavender Refreshment Towels – and see how lavender can bring comfort to your home or business. Thank you for joining us on the Lavender Creek journey. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy lavender growing!
Keywords: how to start a lavender farm, starting a lavender farm, lavender farming, lavender farm, lavender products, agritourism, agricultural lending.
[1] Trees and Shrubs | Gardening | USU
https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/flowers
[2] [3] [4] [5] [8] Lavender Farming – Tips On Growing A Field Of Lavender | Gardening Know How
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/lavender/planting-a-lavender-field.htm
[6] How to Harvest Lavender
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-harvest-lavender-5324518
[7] Lavender and Bees
[9] Lavender Oil Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis, 2032
https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/lavender-oil-market.asp
[10] Lavender Oil Benefits: How It Works and How to Use It
https://www.verywellmind.com/lavender-for-less-anxiety-3571767
[11] NSG0418_Cover_Puneet.indd