How to Grow Basil – and keep it growing…
INSIDE: SEE HOW TO GROW BASIL AND WHERE TO CLIP IT TO KEEP IT GROWING
Basil is one of the EASIEST plants on the planet, in my humble opinion. Why, you ask? Because it doesn’t require much care or attention but will yield as much as you need or want…if you put in a little effort.
If all you have is container gardening on the window sill, check out your local grocery store sometimes they have fresh, ready to use plants. Or you can get a Bonnie plant from Home Depot, get some vegetable soil, and grow your basil outdoors. Either way, there are some basic rules to growing and harvesting your basil.
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1 – Sunlight
All plants need some sun and basil is no different. Basil loves the sun and 6-8 hours of direct sunlight makes the plant very happy.
2 – Soil
Well-draining soil is the key to healthy basil. If you are container gardening, remember that potting soil drys out faster than in-ground soil.
3 – Harvesting
There is a method to harvesting and preserving basil. The key points are:
- Cut/prune in the early morning
- Make your cut just above sprouted leaves (the theory is the leaves will turn into their own branches and make buds of more basil leaves….the never ending cycle of basil)
- DO not be afraid to cut – as long as you leave 2 or 3 sets of leaves close to the ground, you will have basil.
- Do NOT cut ONLY from the top, the bottom will need love too
- DANGER! Flowers at the top can cause serious problems BUT it is not impossible to bring the plant back from the fertility exchange
- Cut the flowers off and cut the basil back a LOT! Even if you aren’t going to use the leaves, it will save the plant
4 – Storage
Basil is an HERB….so it will not last for more than a few days on your counter. Here are some ideas to help you store your basil:
- Give it away….every one loves basil. I actually encourage people to swing by my house and harvest their own. They only take what they need and it keeps the plant healthy…and I don’t have to do ALL the work.
- Freeze it – wash and dry (make sure the leaves are completely dry), place the leaves in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, and place it in the freezer. Remove the leaves when you need them, no need to defrost them…they will warm up in whatever you cook them in.
- Dry it – wash and dry (again, make sure the leaves are completely dry), warm your oven to the lowest temperature, place the leaves on a piece of parchment paper, and bake on the top rack for about 2 hours. Crumble the leaves and store in an air tight container.
- OR freeze it a different way – wash and dry the leaves, place them in your food processor, add olive oil (enough to cover the leaves), pulse until well blended, and add to ice cube trays. Freeze them. Once they are formed into ice cubes, place them in a freezer bag and keep until you are ready to use. This is effective for dressings or pesto.
5 – Propagating
Of course, the key to any plant is the ability to continue the plant in a sustainable fashion. Basil is one of the easiest plants to do that with and here is how you do it:
- Cut a piece of stalk about 4 inches long. Make your cut just below a sprout of leaves.
- Remove the leaves closest to the cut.
- Submerge the stalk end into a jar/cup of water. It is best to use a clear jar/cup so you can see the roots form.
- Place the jar/cup on the window sill, or some place it will get lots of direct sunlight.
- Change the water, in its entirety every 3 days UNTIL you have roots. When you start to see roots, just add water instead of changing it out.
- Once you have about 2 inches of root growth, you can plant your new basil in soil.
- Remember to keep it protected from cold though. Basil LOVES warm air!!!
**Remember to have FUN! Gardening is a fun, family activity!!!**
Happy Gardening,
