Growing Basil – How to Grow Basil
Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. Unknown to most, basil is actually a member of the mint family! Sweet Basil is the most popular grown basil plant known but it grows in a host of other varieties. This herb is well known for flavoring foods and in its long past has been used for folk remedies.
Folklore-
Throughout history, growing basil has held significance to cultures all over the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. Italian lovers would wear a piece of basil in their hair when courting ladies. The Mexicans believed it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.
Medicinal use-
There are big health benefits of growing basil. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. Basil, is a cure-all herb that can treat many disorders and ailments from headaches to indigestion. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.
Growing basil can be childs-play. You can grow basil plants started from seed indoors before transplanting into the garden. It can even be full grown indoors if preferred. If you decide to do this, remember the plant needs sunlight, so a man-made alternative should be used, like fluorescent growing lighting.
Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about an inch apart. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. But, always make sure the last frost has past.
Organic mulch should be added to the surface about 3” deep. Watering should take place one day per week, before noon. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.
Plant the herbs at least 16 – 20 inches apart to grow a good- sized plant. For growing basil, it has essentially 2 requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.
Prune at least every two weeks to increase the health of the plant. To do this, clip the leaves back, but stop ¼ inch above the node. This is to ensure enough foliage is left for growth to continue. Remove dead heads from flower stems for it to continue in good health.
Try growing basil near tomato plants. These plants equally need sunlight and above average watering, so having them near each other will be more convenient for the time-pressed gardener. Basil next to tomato – like bolognese sauce! Basil is a big help around the kitchen and aids by repelling insects in the garden.
After 6” of growth, the top leaves are ready to be clipped. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.
Tags: basil, grow herbs, growing basil, growing herbs, how to grow basil, how to grow herbs
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