Growing Basil - How to Grow Basil
Saturday, September 19th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an easy way to spice up the garden and your favorite recipes. 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. When it comes to old age medical remedies, and flavoring meals, basil is the best.
Folklore-
Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. The people of India swore their oaths in court on basil leaves. 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-
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. There are so many benefits derived from basil, that it is known as the ‘King of Herbs’.
Growing basil can be childs-play. You can grow basil plants started from seed inside the house before transplanting into the garden. 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.
The seeds should be sown about 1” from each other, in a warm time of year. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. But, always be 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. Growing basil has two main requirements: well draining soil, and a sunny, but damp area.
Basil should be pruned fortnightly to increase its hardiness. Clip leaves back to around a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Remove dead heads from flower stems for it to continue in good health.
Try growing basil near tomato plants. Both of these plants require a lot of sunlight, and watering, so it is convenient to place them close to each other. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these 2 plants go well together. Basil also acts as a natural insect repellent, either in the home kitchen, or to keep pests away from other plants.
Once the basil plant has reached six inches, you can start to pinch off the top sets of leaves. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.
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