Growing Basil - Tips on Growing Basil
Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Herbs can help life in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. I am pleased to introduce, Basil, a sweet herb, member of the Mint Family. Sweet Basil is the most popular grown basil plant 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.
Old tales-
Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. Italian lovers would wear a piece of basil in their hair when courting ladies. A popular Mexican belief is that carrying basil would return a cheating lover.
Medical uses-
Growing basil can provide major health benefits. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. The herb is known by herbalists as a ‘cure-all’ for a wide array of ailments, from stomach trouble to headaches. There are so many benefits derived from basil, that it is known as the ‘King of Herbs’.
Don’t worry, growing basil is a breeze. The seed can be sown indoors, then transplanting outside at a later date. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is inadequate lighting in your home.
Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about 1″ apart. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. But, always make sure the last frost has past.
Add layer of mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Watering should take place one day per week, before noon. Never use too much fertilizer, as this can remove the unique odor from the herb.
When re-planting, dig the herbs in at least 1 – 1 feet apart from each other, to ensure appropriate growing space. For growing basil, it has essentially 2 requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.
Prune at least every 2 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. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these two plants go well together. Basil is a big help around the kitchen and helps to repel 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 not only adds to your culinary delights, it is delightful addition in the garden.
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags
Possible Related Posts
