Did you know.....? Coming from the Mediterranean, basil loves lots of sunshine, and is the perfect companion for tomatoes, especially when both are picked fresh from the garden.
Step by step guide to growing fresh basil
Prepare your site to grow basil
Basil can be sown outside in the garden, on a window ledge or in pots and containers on a patio. Herbs, including basil, like to be grown in a sunny position, normally facing south. Make sure that your chosen site is sheltered from wind. Most herbs like a well drained, light soil, but are really not too fussy where they grow, as long as they have plenty of sunshine.
When to plant basil seeds
Basil is usually grown from seed, which should be sown under glass in February. Sow seeds thinly in a good seed compost.
How to plant basil seedlings
Each individual basil plant should be planted outside in May, or after the risk of frost has passed. Plant seedlings 1ft apart, and water regularly, but sparingly, ideally in the mornings. Try not to splash water on the leaves, as they will discolour.
Routine care of basil plants
Apart from the occasional weeding and regular watering, there is little else to do. To grow bushier basil plants, you can pick the youngest leaves, and pinch out the tip, as this encourages new growth from the bottom. If your basil plant starts to flower, simply remove them.
When to harvest basil
Basil can be harvested throughout the summer months, and is usually used fresh from the garden.
Storing basil for later use
Basil leaves should be picked and used fresh, but they can be stored in a cool dry place, but not in the fridge. Basil does not tend to dry well, and is best preserved in vinegar or olive oil.
Recommended varieties of basil
Lettuce Leaf Basil - has very large leaves and can be mixed with lettuce leaves in a green salad.
Purple Basil - as the name suggests, this is a purple variety of basil, and looks stunning when used in cooking.
Greek Basil - has very small leaves
Lemon Basil - has a strong lemony smell and is ideal for flavouring oils and vinegar.
Serving suggestion for basil.....
Basil Vinegar | Green Basil Pesto Sauce |
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Growing Fresh Basil....(
