Also known as 'great basil' or 'Saint-Joseph's-wort', Growing basil (Ocimum basilicum) isn't hard and is a great annual herb to add to your indoor or outdoor herb garden. Basil was once a revered herb and was considered to have many healing properties, physical and spiritual. It is well known to aid digestion and its distinct wonderful smell certainly makes you feel good. There's also the added bonus of having basil leaves at your fingertips to add to all your summer tomato dishes and green salads. Grow with your tomato plants so you don't forget to use it! Personally, I have always started basil plants from seed and had great results. Here’s my tried and tested method…
Growing Basil Basil originates from Asia and will not tolerate cold weather. Keep the seedlings warm until around May, after the last frosts, then it should be warm enough to plant them outside. It is an annual plant and therefore needs planting fresh every year. From seed Plant your seeds in seed compost trays in the greenhouse or in a warm spot in the house, waiting for the soil to match the outside temperature. Keep soil moist and make sure there is enough light for the seeds to germinate, near a window works well. Don't hide the seeds away in a dark corner of the house because the soil will mould and it's unlikely you'll get the seeds to germinate. When your seedlings have 4 or 5 true leaves ( not counting the first 2 ), they will be ready to plant out. If the weather is warm enough, plant directly into the ground outside in full sun if possible. Basil likes the sun and won't grow well in too much shade. Plant your seedlings in soil that has been dug and raked to a fine consistency. Basil doesn't feed heavily, and will tolerate fairly poor soil conditions, although a couple of small organic feeds during the growing season would help leaf production. Basil grows in small bushy shapes and you can dot them about the garden rather than growing in a line in the veggie plot. Basil is known to repel flies and aphids, and planting one or two basil plants in your tomato patch and around other veggies will cut back on the number of pests in the garden. Planting outside Basil seed can be grown directly outside in lines to be thinned out later. Don't plant seed outside until all danger of frost has passed. When the seedlings have 5 or 6 leaves, they should be thinned to allow at least 6 inches per plant, depending on the variety. After Care · Pinch off flower heads as they appear to encourage the plant to produce more leaves. · Keep watered but not water-logged. As basil is usually placed in direct sun, drying out of the roots can be a problem. Once a week make sure you give the roots of your plants a good soaking. · Keep cutting! Pinch or cut leaves from your basil plants as and when you need them. As with many herbs, basil likes to be picked and will grow well if you pick leaves regularly. · Get rid of weeds and mulch round the plants to stop weeds competing and help keep the ground damp. Storing Although undoubtedly tastier if used fresh, basil can also be stored in several ways: -Dry leaves in an airy place for a few days, crumble and keep in airtight glass jars. Basil will keep it's smell and taste for ages stored like this, but it will fade eventually. Hopefully not until your next crop is ready to pick! -You can layer fresh basil leaves and cover in olive oil. Refrigerated or kept in a cool place, basil will keep for a few months in oil. Use the leaves as required, and then use the basil-flavoured olive oil in salad dressings. - It's even possible to freeze basil. Cut out the stalks and then place in a sealed bag before storing in the freezer. Remember to label! Tips Get the children involved! Basil is quick to germinate and easy to grow, and it doesn't matter how many leaves get picked (within reason), the plant will keep on growing! Buy your seeds from a reputable supplier. There are loads of different varieties of basil to choose from and their tastes differ as much as their names and shapes! Some are mild in flavour and others are bordering on hot and spicy. Check the variety before you buy and remember heirloom is always the best! Basil helps to repel flies and other flying creatures. Just rub the leaves occasionally and keep the plant close to a window or doorway, where flies would normally enter.
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