Growing Basil – Tips on Growing Basil
Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an easy way to spice up the garden and your favorite recipes. I am pleased to introduce, Basil, a sweet herb, member of the Mint Family. Sweet Basil is the most popular grown basil plant known but it grows in a host of other varieties. This herb is well known for flavoring foods and in its long past has been used for folk remedies.
Old tales-
Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. The people of India swore their oaths in court on basil leaves. Italian lovers would wear a piece of basil in their hair when courting ladies. The Mexicans believed it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.
Medicinal use-
Growing basil provides major health benefits. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. The herb is known by herbalists as a ‘cure-all’ for a wide array of ailments, from stomach trouble to headaches. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.
Don’t worry, growing basil is a breeze. You can grow basil plants started from seed indoors before transplanting into the garden. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is not enough lighting in your home.
Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about an inch apart. After a few leaves have grown, the basil can then be re-planted. Make certain you wait until a late frost is no longer a threat.
Add a some mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Watering should be done one day per week, before noon. Never use too much fertilizer, as this can remove the unique odor from the herb.
When re-planting, dig the herbs in at least 1 – 1 feet apart from each other, to ensure appropriate growing space. Growing basil has two main requirements: well draining soil, and a sunny, but damp area.
Basil should be pruned fortnightly to increase its hardiness. Clip leaves back to around a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Remove dead heads from flower stems for it to continue in good health.
Try growing basil near tomato plants. Both of these plants require above average sunlight, and watering, so it is convenient to place them close to each other. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these 2 plants go well together. Basil is a big help around the kitchen and helps to repel insects in the garden.
Once the basil plant has reached six inches, you can start to pinch off the top sets of leaves. This herb has been known to reach heights of up to 24 inches. Growing basil not only adds to your culinary delights, but it is delightful addition in the garden.
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