Bay Laurel in Zone 3B — Great Plains

Bay Laurel is a worthwhile addition to your Great Plains garden, offering aromatic leaves that elevate your cooking. Imagine adding homegrown bay leaves to soups and stews on a cold winter day – a truly satisfying experience. Plus, Bay Laurel is relatively drought-tolerant once established, a definite bonus given our variable Plains rainfall.

Yes, we face challenges like wind, extreme temperature swings, and a relatively short 118-day growing season. But with careful planning and starting seeds indoors, you can absolutely enjoy fresh bay leaves from your own garden. The key is timing, and we'll cover that in detail.

Starting Bay Laurel from seed indoors is possible, but be warned: it's a slow process. If you're patient and want to try, begin in early to late March, about 12 weeks before you plan to transplant. This gives the seedlings a head start before our unpredictable spring weather hits.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, provide warmth (a heat mat helps), and ensure plenty of light, ideally from grow lights. Bottom watering is a great way to keep the soil consistently moist without damping off. Remember, our springs can be quite variable, so keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to adjust your indoor setup as needed.

Transplant your Bay Laurel seedlings outdoors in early June, once the risk of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind, which can be intense on the Plains.

Space your plants 48-96 inches apart to allow for their mature size. Keep in mind that even after transplanting, Bay Laurel grows slowly from seed. For quicker results, consider purchasing an established plant from a local nursery. At transplant time, watch for late frosts and be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Once established, Bay Laurel is moderately drought-tolerant, which is a plus given our variable rainfall on the Plains. However, consistent watering is crucial, especially during the first year after transplanting. Container plants will dry out faster and require more frequent watering than those in the ground.

During the heat of summer, aim to water deeply about once a week, providing roughly 1 inch of water. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. In the spring and fall, you can usually reduce watering frequency. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead, especially with our low-to-moderate humidity, to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Bay Laurel requires minimal pruning, which is great for busy Plains gardeners. Focus on maintaining the shape and size of the plant. You can prune quite heavily without damaging it, so don't be afraid to trim it back.

The best time to prune is in the spring, after the worst of the winter weather has passed. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. As the first frost approaches around mid- September, avoid heavy pruning as this can stimulate new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter.

You can start harvesting Bay Laurel leaves from early June through late September. While it technically takes a full year for the plant to reach maturity, you can harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Mature, dark green leaves have the strongest flavor.

To harvest, simply snip off individual leaves with scissors or pruning shears. Avoid stripping the entire plant at once, as this can weaken it. For continued production, regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth. As the first frost approaches in mid- September, harvest any remaining leaves you want to dry for winter use.

Here are the top 3 problems you might encounter with Bay Laurel in the Great Plains:

Scale Insects

• What it looks like: Small, raised bumps on the leaves and stems. They can be brown, white, or black.
• What causes it: Scale insects suck sap from the plant, weakening it. Dry conditions can exacerbate scale infestations.
• How to fix/prevent it: Regularly inspect your plants for scale. Remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Horticultural oil can also be effective. Ensure adequate watering during dry spells to keep plants healthy.

Cold Damage

• What it looks like: Brown or black leaves, especially at the tips. Dieback of branches.
• What causes it: Bay Laurel is only semi-hardy and can be damaged by extreme cold, particularly during temperature swings in the Plains.
• How to fix/prevent it: Plant in a sheltered location with wind protection. In colder areas, consider growing in a container so you can move it indoors for the winter. Wrap the plant with burlap for added protection during extreme cold snaps.

Slow Growth

• What it looks like: Minimal new growth, even after a full growing season.
• What causes it: Can be caused by poor soil, insufficient sunlight, or lack of nutrients.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure your soil is well-draining and amended with compost. Provide at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot summers and low-to-moderate humidity of the Great Plains can stress Bay Laurel plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Variable rainfall means you need to be vigilant about watering, especially during dry periods. Wind protection is essential to prevent damage to the leaves and branches.

Companion planting can benefit your Bay Laurel in the Great Plains. Green beans are a good companion because they fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for the Bay Laurel. Rosemary and sage are also good companions, as their strong scents can help deter pests that might bother the Bay Laurel. Avoid planting near anything that might compete for water or nutrients, as Bay Laurel's slow growth can be stunted further.