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Learning How To Grow Basil Both Indoors And Out |
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by LeeDobbins
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.
As long as you have good light and the right temperature, growing basil is very easy to do. You can grow basil easily from seeds, or purchase an "herb kit" with everything you need. However, a packaged kit isn't necessary; all you needs are basil seeds and some fertile soil.
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.
Ideally basil plants should be watered a couple of times a week and apply fertilizer once in a month. Water directly to the soil so as to avoid splashing water on the leaves as this can encourage fungal growth and disease.
Remove any flowers from your basil plant, because this will produce better flavors. The flowers use up all of the plant's energy, but removing them allows the plant to use the energy to produce very flavorful basil leaves.
The advantage of learning to grow basil is that you will be able to constantly have the fresh herb for use at any time you wish. You can grow it all year round by planting it in containers inside your house. It's a good idea to have several plants on hand at one time, perhaps even growing several varieties of basil. Harvest the leaves at the top of the plant whenever you wish to use them and your plants should be productive for many years.
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