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Growing Basil – Grow Basil
By Flower | December 24, 2008
Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an easy way to spice up the garden and your favorite recipes.
I am pleased to introduce, Basil, a sweet herb, member of the Mint Family. Although there is a few different varieties of basil, sweet basil is the most popular and well known. This herb is well known for flavoring foods and in its long past has been used for folk remedies.
Folklore-
Throughout history, growing basil has held significance to cultures all over the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. To signify love, Italian suitors wore a sprig of basil in their hair when they courted their ladies. The Mexicans believed it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.
Medicinal use:
Growing basil provides major health benefits. The herb is a natural source of beta-carotene, which is packed with Vitamin A. The herb is known by herbalists as a ‘cure-all’ for a wide array of ailments, from stomach trouble to headaches. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.
Growing Basil-
Growing basil can be childs-play. You can grow basil plants started from seed indoors before transplanting into the garden. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. If you decide to do this, remember the plant needs sunlight, so a man-made alternative should be used, like fluorescent growing lighting.
The seeds should be sown about 1” from each other, in a warm time of year. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. But, always make sure the last frost has past.
Add a layer of mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Watering should take place one day per week, before noon. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.
Plant the herbs at least 16 – 20 inches apart to grow a good- sized plant. For growing basil, it has essentially two requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.
Prune at least every two weeks to increase the health of the plant. Clip leaves back to about a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Deadhead any flower stems to keep the plant in production.
Try planting basil near tomato plants. These plants equally need sunlight and above average watering, so having them close together will be more convenient for the time-pressed gardener. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these two plants go well together. Basil is a big help around the kitchen and helps to repel insects in the garden.
Once the basil plant has reached six inches, you can start to pinch off the top sets of leaves. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.
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