Easy-to-Grow Basil
Sweet Basil is my go-to herb. I love any and all Italian dishes, summer salads, and anything that needs a clove-like flavor that is both peppery and sweet!
I grow it in containers, but plants can also be put into raised bed, square-foot gardens.
Planting
We all know buying fresh herbs of any kind at the supermarket is pretty expensive and usually, you use it once and the rest gets put into the fridge to get lost.
Why not grow your own? For one to two people, two basil plants are plenty--especially if you won’t be making pesto. If you do want pesto, plant 4-6 plants. (Multiply this by the number of people if you have more in your household.)
Growing
Basil needs at least 6-8 hours of intermittent sun. I grown mine on the porch--some morning sun and sunny times throughout the day. If you’re in the hot South, like I am, make sure to have some afternoon shade. If you’re in the North or in milder climates, direct sunlight from dawn to dusk won’t hurt it!
Basil loves 80-90 degree weather and it’s also very sensitive to cold air, which may damage the leaves. If you have temps dropping, be sure and cover the plants.
Like most plants, basil needs moisture, but be careful not to over-water! Don’t let it sit in soaked soil. Always stick your finger into your soil and if the soil still feels moist, don’t water it that day.
When you do water, use sun-warmed water in a watering can. A good rule of thumb is to water your basil every day or two, unless you’ve recently had direct rain.
Care
I use an organic fertilizer, like a sprinkle of coffee grinds, because a constant supply of nutrients will give you the best basil.
If a couple stems go to flower, don't panic because the flowers attract bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators. But, ordinarily you don't let the plant flower, as it will affect the flavor.
NOTE: If you allow basil to grow too tall (especially in a container or raised bed), they will not get fuller and you will not reap the greatest harvest.
Harvesting
Pinch your basil plants at the cross-section of leaves when harvesting. Again, this will allow the plant to grow fuller and produce more.
Remember, the more you pick, the more your basil will grow! Harvest it when you are ready to use it, for the freshest, best flavor.
Keeping Basil
There's a great little herb keeper I found online to store herbs until you're ready to use them, but don't store too long...the leaves will become soft and flavor will not be optimal.
And as I mentioned earlier, homemade pesto is a great way to preserve your basil, along with freezing it with olive oil in ice cube or herb trays.
You can also DRY your basil by tying it with twine and hanging it, or by putting it briefly in a dehydrator. I actually put a few leaves on a paper towel and let them dry over the period of days or weeks, turning the leaves, then when i know they are completely dry, I crumble them and put in a tin with an airtight lid.
But, as you know, there’s nothing more flavorful than fresh basil! I can't wait to make Lasagna again!
