MARKtoe! AUGUSTUS 2023 Uitgawe 107 | Page 68

GARDEN ZONE

regenerate tissue and nerves and assist in balancing hormonal problems . As an ingredient in cosmetics , it reduces excess sebum and helps repair burns and broken capillaries .

The plant can be grown in a variety of soils , and does particularly well in the Mpumalanga , KwaZulu- Natal , Western Cape and Limpopo provinces . It needs well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.52 , and both calcium and potassium for successful growth . Drip irrigation is best , as overhead can lead to the development of fungal diseases . Pests to beware of are white grubs , cutworms , whitefly , aphids and white peach scale .

LAVENDER

Lavender essential oil is a versatile and popular oil that has many uses and benefits for the skin , hair , body , and mind . It has pain relief , insect repelling , soothing and healing properties and is a great fragrance for candles and soaps .

This evergreen plant grows in warm dry Mediterranean climates , preferring well-drained coarse sandy to sandy loam soils .

There are many types of lavender , but the most common ones used for essential oil production are English lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ), French lavender ( Lavandula stoechas ), and Lavandin ( Lavandula

It will be important to use organic pest control methods if you are selling your essential oils as organic oils . In fact , whatever you choose to do with the oils from your plants , you will likely want them to be as natural and organic as possible .

GARDEN ZONE

Visit your local Agrimark Garden Zone for tools , feeds , fertilisers and seasonal plants .
67 MARKtoe ! Augustus 2023