Basil

Basil is a must-have herb that adds a burst of flavour to any dish. Whether you’re a culinary whizz or a beginner in the garden, growing basil is incredibly rewarding and easy to do. With a little love and the right conditions, you’ll have a plentiful supply of fresh basil throughout the summer. Let’s dive into how to grow this fragrant herb!

Summary: Growing Basil

Basil is a tender annual that needs warmth to thrive, so plant it in spring after the last frost. You can start from seed indoors or buy young plants. Make sure your basil has a sunny, sheltered spot, whether in pots or the ground. Regular watering and harvesting will encourage more leaf growth, and feeding it weekly will keep it healthy. Bring your basil indoors before the first frost in autumn to extend your harvest. Remember to choose the right basil varieties for your taste and grow them in well-drained soil.

Getting Started with Basil

Growing basil is a fantastic way to bring fresh, flavourful herbs into your kitchen. This versatile herb is not only easy to grow, but also packed with benefits. From the classic sweet basil to the more exotic Thai basil and purple basil, there’s a variety to suit every taste. Whether you have a sprawling basil garden or just a few basil plants in pots, you can easily enjoy your own harvest.

When and Where to Grow Basil

Basil is a sun-lover, craving at least six hours of sunlight daily. It's also a tender annual, which means it won’t survive a frost. For outdoor basil growing, wait until the risk of frost has passed and the weather is reliably warm. A warm, south-facing windowsill is ideal if you want to grow basil indoors. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots or directly in the ground. Whichever you choose, ensure the soil is well-drained.

How to Sow Basil Seeds

Start growing basil from seed in spring, around March or April, indoors. Use small pots or seed trays with seed compost. Sow the seeds thinly and cover with a fine layer of compost. Water gently and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots to grow on. You can also buy young basil plants from a garden centre in spring if you’d rather skip this step.

How to Plant Basil Outdoors

Before planting your basil outside, make sure to harden off indoor-grown plants. This involves gradually getting them used to the outdoor conditions by putting them outside for a few hours at a time over a week. Once they’re ready, plant them about 25cm apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Basil in pots should also be planted once the risk of frost has passed.

Basil Plant Care: A Few Tips

Basil watering is key to healthy growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Give your plants a weekly feed with liquid plant food. Basil fertilizer can be helpful, but don’t over do it. Basil growing tips include pinching off the tips of the plants to encourage bushy growth and more leaves. Removing any flowers that appear will also ensure you have a longer period of leaf production.

Harvesting Your Fresh Basil

Regular basil harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves. Start by picking the top leaves just above a leaf joint, and pick leaves as you need them throughout the growing season. Don’t worry about over harvesting; basil responds really well to being picked regularly. You can freeze or dry your fresh basil for use later. Organic basil will be even tastier if you are growing in organic soil!

Propagating Basil

If you have a plant that you want more of, basil propagation is easy. Take stem cuttings about 10cm long, remove the lower leaves, and place them in a glass of water or a pot of compost. They should root in a few weeks. Once rooted, pot them into individual pots.

Common Basil Problems, Pests and Diseases

Basil is generally robust, but keep an eye out for pests like slugs and snails. Protect plants with barriers or biological controls. Fungal diseases such as grey mould can also be an issue, so make sure there is good ventilation. It's usually better to avoid planting basil companion planting with plants that attract pests.

So there you have it! Growing your own basil is a simple and incredibly satisfying experience. Enjoy the fresh flavours that come from your garden!