Basic Tips On How To Grow Basil |
| Written by Lee Dobbins | |
| Thursday, 17 July 2008 | |
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Learning how to grow Basil will be beneficial to anyone who loves to cook as it has many uses in a variety of recipes beyond the Italian dishes we most associate it with. It is simple to grow basil given the correct temperature and level of sunlight. You can purchase pre-assembled kits that contain all you need to grow basil, but you don't really need them. All you need is some basil seeds and some good growing soil. Basil does need to grow in soil that is properly drained, so you need to be sure to get a container that has good drainage. Look for planters or pots with large holes or you can put some pebbles, rough gravel and rocks at the bottom to contain the water. Keep in mind that basil will not survive a frost if you are planting it outside. The seeds are small, but most will sprout and the seedlings can be thinned out later if needed so don't be afraid to plant several in one pot. If you are using a container, sprinkle the seeds lightly with soil and water with a spray bottle. If you are just learning how to grow basil, keep in mind that the plants will need six to eight hours of sun each day. Indoors the plant should be placed in a sunny window and outdoors you need to make sure the plant has sun for the majority of the day but that it is also kept away from the wind. Basil plants need to be watered two or three times a week. They also need to be fertilized each month. Try to keep the water at the base of the plant because if they get on the leaves it allows fungi to set in. Remove any flowers from your basil plant, because this will produce better flavors. The flowers use up all of the plant's energy, but removing them allows the plant to use the energy to produce very flavorful basil leaves. The advantage of learning to grow basil is that you will be able to constantly have the fresh herb for use at any time you wish. You can grow it all year round by planting it in containers inside your house. It's a good idea to have several plants on hand at one time, perhaps even growing several varieties of basil. Harvest the leaves at the top of the plant whenever you wish to use them and your plants should be productive for many years.
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For more gardening tips including a video on how to grow basil, please visit http://www.gardening-ez.com/howtogrowbasil.php.
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