1. Introduction
Ah, growing basil! That fragrant, versatile herb adds flavor to hundreds of dishes. From foodies to the person who loves the fresh scent of spices, growing basil will be satisfying. From classic sweet basil to the more exotic varieties, like Thai or Lemon Basil, this herb couldn’t have been any other way but one of the favorite growers in the garden.
Now, let us dive into this magnificent land of Basil and discover how to grow and care for this wonderful plant.
2. Planting Basil
Ready to grow some basil? First things first location, location, location! Basil adores the sun and will want at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Now, about that dirt though not too fussy, basil does love rich, well-draining soil. If your garden soil has heavy clay, put in some compost to lighten it up a bit.
Timing is everything when it comes to planting basil. This herb is a lover of warmth and something of a baby when it comes to frost; as such, you need to wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperatures reach at least about 50°F. Most areas will find that this is late spring.
Want to start with seeds? No sweat! Sow those suckers an inch or so deep and water away. If you are the impatient type, aren’t we all? you might want to just buy seedlings from your local nursery, and in no time at all, you’ll be good to go on your basil-growing journey.
3. Growing Conditions
Well, it is just like that friend who loves sunbathing basil does best under full sun. Do not fear if your garden does not see too much direct sun; the basil is going to do just fine under partial afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Well, you see, basil’s kind of the Goldilocks of herbs so it doesn’t want too much or too little. Basil needs to be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Probably the most important rule of thumb, though, is the need for deep watering once the top inch has dried out.
It does well at a temperature of more than 70-80°F, and it doesn’t like cold. You may want to grow basil in containers if you live in a cold climate so you can take them inside when the weather cools off.
As for humidity, that isn’t much of a factor in basil. Extremely dry times could require you to mist the leaves now and then.
4. Container vs. Garden Growing
Stuck between container and garden growing?
This plant will also grow well in containers if you have limited space or simply want to be able to move your basil around. The added plus is that you can take it inside during cold weather. Do keep in mind, though, that you should put it in a container that is at least 8 inches deep with adequate drainage holes. Of course, the downside is that containers will dry out faster; hence, you will have to water more frequently.
Garden growing gives your basil more room to spread its roots literally. Perfect if you’ve got space and want larger yields. Do not plant closer than 12-18 inches apart, for they do have a little room to grow. The con? You can’t bring them inside when frost threatens.
Whichever method you choose, your basil will reward you with aromatic leaves all season long!
5. Ongoing Care
Think of it like keeping a friend, it is a job that requires constant attention. Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. However, do not overfertilize. The basil will be less flavorful if the plant receives too much fertilizer.
This will help keep the basil bushy and productive. Once it gets to about 6 inches tall, pinch off the top set of leaves to have the plant start branching out. After a little more growth, trim out the center shoots on each stem to keep it from flowering and maintain a bushy shape.
Be on the lookout for common pests like Aphids and Japanese Beetles. A good forceful spray from the hose will dislodge the aphids and with larger insects, it is good to hand-pick them off. Regarding diseases, good air circulation and avoiding overhead sprinkling will prevent most of them.
6. Harvesting and Storage
The best part about growing basil? Harvesting that sweet-smelling foliage! Harvesting can start mostly after the plant has grown to 6-8 inches in height. Clip from the top of the plant to stimulate more growth that is bushy.
Store fresh basil by wrapping stems in a damp paper towel and keep in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Freeze basil leaves with a little water or oil in ice cube trays for longer-term storage. Drying is possible but note it can reduce flavor.
7. Common Problems and Solutions
Yellow leaves? Chances are, your basil has too much water or too little food. Adjust the watering schedule and add light feeding.
Does your basil look a little leggy? Chances are, it is probably getting too little light. Move to a sunnier place, or if indoors, maybe consider buying some grow lights.
Seeing flowers? While the flowers of basil are edible and an asset to pollinators, they mean that a plant is ending its life cycle. Keeping it constantly producing leaves means you have to pinch off flower buds the very moment that they form.
8. Conclusion
Grow the basil, and get fragrant rewards all along the way from the sowing of those very first seeds or planting seedlings to harvest time, with all the joy that goes into raising this aromatic herb. Keep in mind, however, that this is an herb craving sun, warmth, and constant dampening. With a little care and attention, you will have enough fresh basil in continuous supply to raise your culinary arts to new heights.
So what are you waiting for? Get dirty, inhale the aroma of fresh basil, and delight in the satisfaction of raising your herbs. Happy gardening, and even happier eating!
Here are a few short FAQs associated with raising and taking care of basil:
1. Q: How often should I water my basil plant?
A: Water your basil when its top inch of soil has dried. Most times, it would translate to watering every 3-5 days, although it may shift a little depending on the climatic condition and whether it is potted or directly in the ground. Just ensure that there is good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
2. Q: Why does my basil flower, and what to do?
A: Basil plants seem to go to seed very quickly. Is there anything I can do about this? Plants form seeds as a natural part of their life cycle. This is usually when the plant is stressed or has matured. Removing buds immediately after you see them will keep your plant productive in the leaf. This re-directs the energy of the plant into leaf production, not seed production.
3. Q: Can basil be grown indoors?
A: This will perform at its best near a sunny window where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sun or with the use of grow lights if the natural light is less. Rotate often for even growth. It will also require good air circulation to prevent any fungal problems.
