By lake I want to plant special crop (7)

I believe the answer is:

linseed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'crop' is the definition.
(linseed is a type of crop)

'by lake i want to plant special' is the wordplay.
'by lake' becomes 'l' (geographical abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'by' bit.).
'want' becomes 'need' (needing is a kind of wanting).
'to plant' is an insertion indicator.
'special' becomes 'S' (common abbreviation as in Special Air Service).
'need' going around 's' is 'nseed'.
'l'+'i'+'nseed'='LINSEED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for linseed that I've seen before include "Oil produced from flax" , "Flax plant product providing oil" , "Oil-producing plant" , "Type of oil" , "Source of plant oil" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.