Lavender has become so popular with essential oils, but did you know that growing your own lavender can be just as calming as using the oil itself?

Lavender loves lime, loose soil, excellent drainage, and sun, and it can be planted in the spring after the weather has warmed. (I’ve grown it from seed without a lot of fuss; it blooms by the third year.) In areas of the country that have acid soil, lavender-loving gardeners may have to make some adjustments, beginning with a simple pH test. To provide the near-neutral soil that lavender needs a little limestone and composting. (Or grow it in pots!)

A number of studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain. However, most of these studies have been small. Lavender is also being studied for antibacterial and…