How to Grow Basil Herb

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By e-Rambler
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Growing basil

Basil is grown for its tasty leaves that can be added to sandwiches, salads, tomato sauce, or used in cooked dishes such as soup.

Growing Basil is simple and easy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Basil herb seeds
Potting soil
Planting pot
Gardening tools
Fertilizer and compost
Mulch (optional)
Sunny spot
Garden, yard, patio, or deck
Windowsill
Window box (optional)

Step 1

Ensure the soil is well dug over and weed free before sowing if growing outdoor. Be sure that the compost or soil is moist before sowing.
Step 2

If growing Basil in pots, there must be adequate drainage allowed from the base of the pot; line with a layer of gravel if needed.
Step 3

Basil should receive sunlight around 5-8 hours a day. You can grow basil indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in soil or planters. Place the basil in a protected spot from chilling winds if growing outside.
Step 4

For indoor growing: sow the seeds sparsely in pots just enough for a few plants in each pot. Cover the seeds with 1/3" compost and press gently the soil.

For outdoor planting: cover the seeds with 1/3" compost and mulch after Spring frost in your area.

Seeds should germinate in about a week.
Step 5

Basil should receive sunlight around 5-8 hours a day. You can grow basil indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in soil or planters. Place the basil in a protected spot from chilling winds if growing outside.
Step 6

Weed can be a problem if growing outdoors. You can add an organic mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.

There should be no weed problem if growing indoors.

Water at least once every week and feed with fertilizer each month. Water more often during hot summer days.
Step 7

Thai sweet basil

When it comes to harvesting, pick the top most leaves first. Basil will grow all year round indoors. The more you harvest the more it will grow. It is better to pick just a few leaves than to crop them all off.

Outdoor plants should be dug up and brought indoors before fall ends, or they'll die from freezing; if you want to extend the growing season, bring them indoors before winter.
Step 8

Cinnamon basil

Basil leaves can be used fresh or dried.

To dry basil - - cut the stems at soil level. Air dry them in a warm room by hanging bunch stems up; this will take about a week. For faster drying, use a dehydrator.

You can remove them from the stems once the leaves are dried. Store them in an airtight container for up to a year.