Growing Basil – Tips on Growing Basil

Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an easy way to spice up the garden and your favorite recipes. 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-

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.

Medicinal use-

There are big health benefits of growing basil. The herb is a natural source of beta-carotene, which is 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’.

How to Grow Basil-

Don’t worry, growing basil is a breeze. 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. 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 1″ apart. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. But, always be sure the last frost has past.

Organic mulch should be added to the surface about 3” deep. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. 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 two requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.

Basil should be pruned fortnightly to increase its hardiness. Clip leaves back to about 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 above average sunlight, and watering, so it is convenient to place them close to each other. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these two 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.

After 6” of growth, the top leaves are ready to be pinched off. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.