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How to grow basil
Basil has many varieties -- each with its own distinct fragrance and characteristics. It is easy to grow, and transforms ordinary meals into culinary treasures! Fresh basil not only tastes better than dried, it actually tastes different, almost as if it were not the same herb. Basil smells so good, and has such attractive blooms for an herb, that it\'s also grown in flower gardens as decoration. The blooms are also edible, though if the plant is allowed to bloom regularly its flavor declines. Growing Basil is relatively easy as long as the growing environments have suitable light and temperature levels.
Basil is grown for its fragrant tasty leaves that can be added raw to salads, sandwiches or used in cooked dishessuch as the ever popular pasta with tomato and basil sauce.
Preparation for How to grow basil
If growing Basil in pots then ensure that adequate drainage is allowed from the base of the pot (line with coarse gravel if necessary).
If growing outside then ensure the soil is well dug over and weed free before sowing.
Before sowing ensure that the compost or soil is moist (water generously the day before sowing).
Steps for how to grow basil
While you can certainly use cuttings or basil plants from a nursery, growing basil from seeds will actually give you better results. The seeds grow quickly, so you\'ll have your basil plants peeking out from the soil in no time.
Plant basil seeds or plants in well-drained soil that will stay moist. It\'s a sun-loving annual, so make sure it gets plenty of sunlight too. Organic matter like compost or manure should be worked into the soil before planting.
The seeds are ready to plant after the last frost of the season. Plant them about an eighth of an inch deep, and half an inch apart, in rows with about two inches between each row. Fertilize the soil lightly after planting by mixing your fertilizer with water. Repeat this procedure a couple more times throughout the growing season.
Most varieties of basil will grow to about two feet in height. If you\'re growing your basil in containers indoors, it will take about five days to germinate. Planting outdoors takes about twice as long for germination.
Once the plant begins to sprout up and the leaves start to develop, cover the soil with an inch or two of mulch to keep the soil damp and help prevent weeds from appearing near the basil.
Keep the soil moist, but avoid standing water which can encourage pests and bacteria. Pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear, so your basil plants will get nice and bushy and the leaves will develop well.
Basil leaves are ready to pick as soon as they appear. The more you harvest, the more leaves will grow and you learn How to grow basil
If you want your basil plants to resow themselves back into your garden, allow some of the flowers to grow and mature. The seeds in the flowers will drop out and plant themselves in the soil.
Basil grows very well with tomato plants. The basil helps to repel certain pests that are fond of tomatoes
How to grow basil >
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