Landscaping and Gardening Info

Basil is a favorite herb used in meals from casseroles to sandwiches and learning how to grow basil yourself assures you a fresh supply for your culinary needs.

Basil is an easy herb to grow provided you give it plenty of sunlight and warm temperature. Basil seeds grow quickly with plenty of water and rich soil. If you really want to go the easy route, you can buy a simple herb kit which contains what you need to get started growing basil.

Drainage is important for potted basil plants, so keep this in mind when you select a pot for the plant. The pot should either have a large hole in the bottom or you can place coarse gravel in the bottom of the pot to promote drainage.

The best time to sow the seeds directly to the ground is when there are no more threats of frost. If you want, you can sow the seeds thinly to avoid overcrowding later on. If you choose to sow in pots, put enough seeds in each pot and then you can thin out the weaklings later on. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water regularly.

If you are just learning how to grow basil, keep in mind that the plants will need six to eight hours of sun each day. Indoors the plant should be placed in a sunny window and outdoors you need to make sure the plant has sun for the majority of the day but that it is also kept away from the wind.

Water your basil plants a few times a week and fertilize them monthly. Try to place the water at the base of the plant. Avoid splashing water on the leaves in order to discourage disease and growth of fungus.

Pinch off any flowers growing on the plant to get the best possible flavor from the leaves. This allows the plant to use all its energy and resources to produce beautiful, more flavorful leaves.

Once you learn how to grow basil properly, you will be rewarded with a constant fresh supply. Grown in a container, basil will flourish all year round. Be sure to have several plants growing. To harvest it, pick the upper leaves of each plant. This way, the plants will always keep growing.

Tags: landscaping, gardening