The type of soil is not as critical as the drainage. If the soil is heavy clay then mounding of the beds or rows should be considered. The lavender can be planted on a slope and so improve drainage. Any normal method of soil improvement to increase drainage will be beneficial. Lavender will grow at pH 5.5 to pH 8. 7.
Lavender is cut by hand with a small sickle or other sharp knife.
This method is used for small acreage and where bunches are gathered for bouquet sales. Larger acreage is harvested by machine and the product is either dried in bulk for stripped flower or taken to the still for distillation for essential oil. Lavender is normally dried in bunches, secured with rubber bands, which are hung vertically from racks or ceiling wires. These bunches are dried in sheds, attics or other dry areas which are kept as dark as possible to preserve the colour of the lavender flowers. Good ventilation is important.