Basic Tips On How To Grow Basil

by: LeeDobbins
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Learning how to grow Basil will be beneficial to anyone who loves to cook as it has many uses in a variety of recipes beyond the Italian dishes we most associate it with.

It is simple to grow basil given the correct temperature and level of sunlight. You can purchase pre-assembled kits that contain all you need to grow basil, but you don't really need them. All you need is some basil seeds and some good growing soil.

Drainage is important for potted basil plants, so keep this in mind when you select a pot for the plant. The pot should either have a large hole in the bottom or you can place coarse gravel in the bottom of the pot to promote drainage.

Keep in mind that basil will not survive a frost if you are planting it outside. The seeds are small, but most will sprout and the seedlings can be thinned out later if needed so don't be afraid to plant several in one pot. If you are using a container, sprinkle the seeds lightly with soil and water with a spray bottle.

One of the important things to know when learning how to grow Basil is that it requires 6 to 8 hours of sun each day. So if you are growing Basil on pots, place them in areas where they can still be reached by sunlight, like the patio or by the window. If you are growing them outdoors, choose the area that gets sun for most of the day but are protected from harsh wind.

Basil plants need to be watered two or three times a week. They also need to be fertilized each month. Try to keep the water at the base of the plant because if they get on the leaves it allows fungi to set in.

Pinch off any flowers growing on the plant to get the best possible flavor from the leaves. This allows the plant to use all its energy and resources to produce beautiful, more flavorful leaves.

The advantage of learning to grow basil is that you will be able to constantly have the fresh herb for use at any time you wish. You can grow it all year round by planting it in containers inside your house. It's a good idea to have several plants on hand at one time, perhaps even growing several varieties of basil. Harvest the leaves at the top of the plant whenever you wish to use them and your plants should be productive for many years.