A Guide to Growing Basil
by Anosofia Shack
Growing basil is an enjoyable experience. The plant can be used in different ways. With common uses in the kitchen, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you have healthy basil plants.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Location
Basil loves sunlight. Make sure to place your basil plants where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a warmer climate, growing basil outdoors year-round is possible.
Step 2: Planting and Spacing
When planting basil, it’s important to give each plant enough space to grow. Basil plants should be spaced 4-8 inches apart. Overcrowding can obstruct the growth of your basil, so be mindful of the space between your plants.
Step 3: Watering
Basil is a plant that needs regular watering. However, it’s important to maintain a balance when it comes to watering your basil plant. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between watering sessions to avoid overwatering, this can lead to root rot. Try using lukewarm water.
Step 4: Keeping Your Basil Plant Neat
Regular cutting away dead or overgrown stems is important for basil. Try gently cutting off the very tip of the stem, this encourages the plant to grow outward and prevents it from flowering too early. If you see small flower buds, cut them off to keep your basil growing healthy. Trim any branches that grow longer than others to maintain a healthy shape.
Step 5: Fertilizing
Basil doesn’t require much fertilization. In fact, over-fertilizing can negatively affect the flavor of the herb. A light dose of organic fertilizer every few months is usually sufficient.
Step 6: Preventing and Treating Diseases
Basil is in danger of diseases like fungus and mildew, which thrive on wet leaves. Always water your basil from below and keep the leaves dry.
Step 7: Harvesting and Using Basil
When your basil plants are getting too thick, cut it back. You can use the cuttings for making things like pesto, which can be frozen for later use. Continually cutting off flowers prevents the end of growth for the plant.
Step 8: End of Season Care
If you’re in a seasonal climate, your basil will eventually start to die as the weather cools. Let the flowers produce seeds, then collect and save the seeds for planting next year.
Happy gardening and enjoy your basil!