How to Grow Basil in Your Kitchen

Fresh basil is an easy and yummy herb to grow in you kitchen. Learn to grow basil in your kitchen window and save money on buying fresh herbs. Have fresh basil all summer long and learn to store it for the rest of the year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• kitchen window
• plant pot rectangular to fit window
• potting mix
• basil seeds

1. Measure the window sill in your kitchen and buy or make a rectangular plant box to fit.

2. Fill plant box with a good potting mix.

3. Press finger in dirt to make a little hole about 2-3 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep. Drop 2-3 seeds in each hole and loosely cover with soil.

4. Place planter in your kitchen window sill and water seeds carefully so you dont wash them away. Keep watering every few days and dont let soil dry out. When basil emerges and gets about 3 inches tall, pull out the the extra plants so that you have only one plant left in each of the spots that you planted your seeds.

Tips & Warnings

• When basil forms little flowers on top, pinch them off to encourage the basil to grow wider.
• You can store your basil by gathering the leaves and rinsing them off, then drying the leaves with paper towels and placing in a freezer bag and freeze. You can also chop the basil and place into an ice tray, when full carefully fill with water and freeze. When completely frozen place in freezer bag and freeze.
• Pinch off the leaves of the basil and add to your favorite recipes.
• Leave your window closed to keep the basil protected from strong winds knocking down your planter or unexpectedly cold days or nights.