Basil - A Favorite Herb To Most Gardeners
by John Yazo
Basil is an annual herb, and is easy to grow
from seed. There are
many types
of basil including lettuce-leaf which has a large leaf, cinnamon basil
and there are purple leaf varieties. Basil needs to be covered or taken
when the is a threat of frost, it is not frost tolerant. When planting
basil be sure to plant after the soil has warmed completely and it
needs full sunlight. Be sure to keep it watered especially if you have
it planted in pots or containers, it
does require more moisture than
some herbs. You can bring basil inside to grow it as a window herb. If
you want to grow basil as a window plant, plant the seeds in the late
summer in pots outside and bring them inside setting them in a bright
sunny window. Growing basil in a porch box outside of your kitchen door
or in window boxes is a great way to have a fresh source of it on hand
for whenever you need it for your daily cooking needs.
There is very little care that basil needs. Pinch the tops of your basil plants and don't let them flower. Letting them flower will basically stop it's growth and turn to seed. If flowering has started just pinch them off immediately. When harvesting basil, cut off the stems and strip the leaves for your daily use or air dry for storage. It can also be frozen or preserved in oil. It's delicious whichever way you choose to preserve it. Another unique way to preserve your basil is you can dice it up and add it to water in an ice cube tray to create basil ice cubes. Once they are frozen they can then be stored in resealable bags in your freezer and added directly to your soups.
Other herbs that basil combines well with are thyme, parsley, chives, garlic and oregano, or with vegetables like eggplant. Whether you have room for a herb garden in your yard to plant an assortment of basil or one pot, it's an herb that is worth growing.
If
you would like to comment on this website or have any suggestions
please feel free to contact us
