It grows quickly and quietly, with no fuss. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is often referred to as the king of herbs.Basil plants are certainly one of the most popular herbs grown in the home garden. Make sure the pot has drainage holes, and don't let water remain in the saucer under the pot.The secret to harvesting basil all season is to prune it back regularly, before it flowers. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Handle basil delicately so as not to bruise and blacken the leaves. It is great in Fresh basil leaves are delicious in salads. The soil should have a balanced pH of between 6.0 and 6.5, which is true of most vegetables, according to To grow basil plants outside, prepare a bed with organic matter such as composted manure, pine bark or compost to create the rich, well-drained environment that basil loves. Unfortunately, the garden centers at big box stores don't seem to know this, because you'll find basil seedlings marketed in April. The leaves complement both … You can air-dry basil in small, loose bunches, but it This widely used herb enhances the flavor of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. If you start plants indoors, Begin using the leaves as soon as the plant is large enough to spare some. Start indoors in individual pots, plant seeds outdoors when frosts are over and the ground is warm, or buy bedding plants. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) produces prolific foliage outdoors during the warm summer months. If you see a flower, cut it off. Work into the soil approximately 3 pints of 5-10-10 granular fertilizer per 100 square feet. Grow a few basil plants in containers so you can bring them indoors before fall frost. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. There's nothing quite like tasty homemade pesto, and if you've been longing to take your recipe up a notch, growing your own basil might be the perfect solution. To prevent overdrying of the soil, add a 3-inch mulch of pine needles or ground-up leaves.When growing basil inside, the plant's requirements are the same: Plant it in a pot with enriched soil, then place it on a sunny windowsill where it will get its required six hours of sun daily. There's a reason why this garden herb is so popular. If your area does experience a frost after planting, protect the plants with floating row covers, straw or just a bucket turned upside down overnight for single plants.Water regularly throughout the growing season — but don't overwater, because basil hates wet feet. When watering, avoid splashing moisture onto the leaves, as leaves left wet overnight are more prone to fungal diseases. Growing basil outdoors or in a container is very easy to do if you follow these simple steps for how to grow basil. Originally from India, basil … Basil is also a staple ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine; cultivars such as Stick 3 or 4 wooden dowels into the ground around your basil plants. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io Or make a second sowing outdoors in June in order to have small plants to pot up and bring indoors for winter. Don't buy these, unless you have a greenhouse or a good indoor spot to care for them until you can put them outside after all danger of frosts or freezes is past.While there are many basil cultivars, all have the same requirements: sun, water and well-draining, rich soil. The primary task facing a gardener when growing basil (Ocimum basilicum) is pruning it regularly, which ensures a harvest throughout the entire growing season. Collect from the tops of the branches, cutting off several inches. Use the lemon-and lime-scented cultivars in fresh fruit salads and compotes. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer throughout the season and water regularly. Cover outdoor basil with a thin sheet to protect it from frosty temperatures. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Once the plant has developed its first six leaves, the To prevent flowering, which will abort leafy growth as the basil puts all its energy into reproduction, pinch out the center shoot after about six weeks. How to Take Care of an Indoor Basil Plant. Basil is pretty much a requirement for any kitchen garden and is an easy-care plant. Secure the sheet to the ground with weighted objects like rocks. Then, drape an old, thin sheet over the top of the dowels and your basil plant. Along with saving money on store-bought basil, this popular herb can easily be There are a slew of varieties, although sweet basil is the most common. 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