How to Grow Sweet Basil

planting sweet basil

Dig in; we are here to show you how to grow sweet basil. With just the basics, your herbs will thrive.

Many people think that without a green thumb, a big backyard, or any spare time that it is impossible to have a garden. You do not need any of the above to learn how to grow sweet basil. Herbs can be grown in pots and placed within arm’s length in a kitchen window, handy for adding the freshest flavor to home cooked meals.

Soil for growing basil

When learning how to grow sweet basil you need to plant herbs in a sunny spot outdoors in quick draining soil. In clay soil, improve drainage by planting herds in raised garden beds with gritty soil amendments such as coarse sand or chicken grit. If you do not have a lot of space, grow sweet basil in pots.

The larger the pot the less often you will need to water the plants. A 12-inch container is large enough for a single plant although many gardeners use even larger containers. Unglazed terra-cotta pots and wooden planters work better for herbs than plastic pots, which can keep the soil too soggy.

On average, potted plants do not prosper in plain garden soil. Instead, grow sweet basil in a mix of 1 part perlite to 5 parts potting soil. Sow seeds in a tray to transplant or in a container. Space herbs a foot apart in the garden bed or a large pot.

Water herbs

* Growing basil needs enough water to prevent plants from wilting.

* Allow soil to dry slightly, then water thoroughly.

* Water more frequently during hot weather.

* Herbs have few pests that devastate them; most insects will chew the leaves and move on.

* To control bugs and diseases, use sterile potting mixes or treat garden beds for nematodes before planting sweet basil.

* Once the herbs are growing, pest control includes handpicking or using organic measures.

Caring for Sweet Basil Plant

* Plants are easy to grow during warm weather.

* The plants need half-day sun to full sun.

* Mulch supplies nutrients, reduces weeds, and helps retain moisture for shallow rooted herbs.

Sweet Basil Gardening Tips

* To have fresh herbs handy, make a kitchen windowsill garden of decorative containers and fill with plants to harvest as needed.

* Protect sweet basil from extreme cold during winter by growing in pots.

* Create dinner menus developed around which herbs need to be picked.

harvesting sweet basil

* Sweet basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow. Picking the herb fresh, as you need the leaves encourages new growth.

* Freeze an abundance of herbs. Collect, wash, and dry. Seal in freezer bags until ready to use.

* Dry herbs in a ventilated warm location out of direct sunlight.

Bundles of herbs can be dried upside down from a line. Another method for harvesting sweet basil is drying the herb on a screen covered with cheesecloth. Space the leaves to allow air to circulate. Dry herbs for around ten days before storing.

Some gardeners would grow sweet bail just for the delightful aroma. The herb gives off a clove like scent reminiscent of your favorite Italian dishes. After adding its spicy taste and freshness to wholesome family dinners, you will never go back to buying processed herbs off the grocery store shelves.

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