How to Grow Basil

growing basil

 

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs that promise to freshen your air by putting a variety of aromas into your home. However, when you know better, you know that many of these so-called aromatic herbs aren’t actually aromatic at all. But they make you think that they are! Whether you love the smell of lavender, or love the scent of cinnamon, there is a plant that will give you that delicious fragrance. Basil is such a plant – aromatic, delicious, and works beautifully with almost any food!

yeshas a spice to it – basil anise

The plant grown for its rich culinary uses is called basil. It is actually an annual in the Warmish/Tropical regions of Asia. It grows best in full sunlight, and perfect conditions for this plant include:

– a place that gets lots of sun

– partial shade

– if possible, a sheltered spot

– if possible, rich soil

Basil is also considered worthy enough to grow in a container. These plants can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches tall.

One of the first things you need to do is and make sure that the plant gets enough water. Water regularly but try not to over water as that will kill the roots. As the plant grows, trim the suckers that grow in the joint of the stalk and the stem. This will ensure that the plant has fewer stems and more leaves.

You also need to prune your basil a little as it starts to grow. Cut off the flowers as they appear, and clip off the side shoots that try to break away from the main plant. As you trim the plant, pull the leaves gently but firmly from the top of the stalk.

You need to use aphids, thrips, black vine, plant lice, spider mites, and sawfly larvae to control pest issues with Basil. If you find a bad infestation, handpick or spray the insects and spray directly with insect repellant. Be sure to wash your insecticides well before using them on your plants.

Harvesting Basil

When you grow basil, always pick the same stems again and again after the first harvest. This means that you will end up with a continuous supply of leaves. Leaves can be dried as you would leaves, although a better option is to use them fresh. All you do is pick major leaves and clip them off the stem. Basil will still grow, so you can harvest again right through the season.

Basil is used in many dishes such as soups, salad dressings, sauces, pesto and breads. Outside of culinary applications, basil can be used as a common herb and has a long history of medicinal uses. It has powerful anti-oxidant and carcinant effects. Also, it is considered an aid to digestion.

A holistic health wellness Coach showed me Some of the medicinal uses for basil include:

– lowers cholesterol

– relieves stomach pain and improves digestion

-Calming effect for the digestive system

-Lowers blood pressure and reduce hypertension

-An aid to digestion

-An antiseptic effect

-Helps baby’s stomach ache

-flies away if insects are near

Sun, soil and water are the basic requirements for a basil plant, and are considered the best three things to grow when you are growing basil. Sunlight is by far the best for basil to grow. If you are growing your basil in a pot, a nearby window is perfectly alright, however, you can also grow basil in a garden outside if you have enough sunlight. It will grow well in almost any soil, which includes regular potting soil, loamy soils, and sandy soils. Basil will also grow well in containers if it is given the option.

Growing and caring for basil is quite easy and simple. It does not require much fertilizer, and you should not need to do much “manual labour” when tending your plant. Watering is for the most part, all you need to do is pick your basil leaves and be happy with it! Yes, that’s it, water, eat and be happy!