Wednesday, August 31, 2011

How to Grow Basil Easily

By Tanisha Smalling


Basil is recognized as among the world's most beloved plants. There are so many reasons why you should know about it too. It is among the oldest herbs in the world. It is greatly desired for use in cooking. It has many uses in the area of medicine. People have even used the scent to create soaps and candles. In addition to all that, growing basil is especially rewarding for those who are just starting out with gardening because it is effortless to grow when you apply a few basics. The herb can be grown inside in containers or pots all through the year, or it could be easily grown outdoors.

Make sure the weather is warm before attempting to grow basil outside. Do not attempt to grow basil in a cold environment. Before growing, make sure the weather stays above fifty degrees at night. Basil is a plant that grows best in full sun, but can also manage in partial shade. If you plant basil in an area that has standing water it will shed its leaves.

The process of sowing seed is as easy as sprinkling some seeds across the garden of container. Ensure the seeds make contact with the earth. Good contact with the soil will cause the germination process to start. Cover the seeds using a quarter-inch of good soil and make sure the soil is watered. Keep your dirt moist, however not too wet, until the seedlings appear. It will take several days for germination to occur.

As for thinning your seedlings, you can do this when the plants have two pairs of true leaves. Make sure the plants are thinned to be six to twelve inches apart. Several weeks before the last frost you can start sowing basil indoors.

Make sure to water basil often but not so much to have standing water. If you water too much the plant will start turning yellow and drop its leaves. Never water the leaves of the plant but always at the base.

Fertilizing the soil can be a wise decision, especially if the soil has been used previously. Do this before you begin planting. Use plant food only once a season and make sure to use a balanced formula such as 5-10-5. It is best to apply fertilizer at half the directed strength if you are intending on eating the basil. You do not want to damage the leaves with the fertilizer. Apply it to the soil around the base.

Basil plants should be pruned during the season for several reasons. You can alter the shape of the herb by pruning it in certain ways. If you prune the buds off the flowers right away you can keep the herb from entering the flowering process. The leaves will begin to turn bitter when the plant begins to flower. Pruning a basil plant is simple. Just pinch off a stem above a pair of leaves. Once the plant grows several inches it can be pruned. Pruning can occur after the plant is 2-4 inches in height.

Knowing how to grow basil is worthwhile and with this guide you can do it easily.




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