How to Grow Garden Basil

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By e-Rambler
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Tomato and basil soup

Fresh basil is an important flavoring ingredient of many dishes and baked goods. It is a necessity for cooks who love to use herbs in their kitchen.

There are more than 160 species of basil grown around the world. Basil is extremely easy to grow in both the containers and ground.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Basil starter plant or seed
Planter, pot
Water
Full sun or bright artificial light
Gloves
Gardening tools

Step 1

Select an area that receives full sun. Like most herbs Basil is not picky about its environment. However, it loves moisture to keep the plant from wilting. Add hefty amount of organic compost into the soil to help retain water.
Step 2

Basil flower

Seeds can be sown directly in the ground after danger of frost has passed in your region (early April to mid-May). Soil temperature has to be around 60 degrees F. If planted in cool soil, Basil is prone to fungus attack so that wait until the soil has warmed to 60 degrees F.

If you are planting from seed, dig a hole 1/2" deep and put 2-3 seeds in there. Seeds should sprout in about 10-14 days.

If you are growing from a young plant, transplant it to the ground by digging a hole deep and wide enough for the root base to fit in. As mentioned in Step 1, add lots of organic compost to cover the hole and around the plant.

Plant 12-15 inches apart for room growth. Basil grow as wide as they get tall; 12 to 30 inches.

To have a non-stop supply of Basil throughout the year, plant at 3 to 4 week intervals during the summer (May - August). If you want, plant Basil next to tomato plant to improve their flavor.
Step 3

Water regularly and the seedlings should be thinned to about 10" to 12" apart. Pinch the tips to allow for bushier growth once the plants reaches 5" or 6" tall.

Fertilizer is needed but do not apply too much. Over use of fertilizer will create Basil that result in "bland" taste.
Step 4

Herb garden with basil

Blossoming appear when outside temperature reaches 80 degrees F. Discard flowers when the buds appear. This will encourage Basil leaves growing instead of using the energy and nutrients for developing flowers.

Harvest basil leaves whenever you need them. The more you pick the leaves, the more and faster the plant will grow.

You can be creative using Basil in your cooking. Growing your own herb is the way to go to keep your kitchen with essential flavorings for use in food.