Companion plant to tomatoes – improves flavour and repels insects
Many varieties, Sweet, Thai, Lemon….
Easy to keep inside or outdoors
Flowers are great for pollinators
Fairly pest and disease-free
How to start seeds
Moist, not wet, seed starting soil
Once seedlings sprout, they need about 6-8 hours of good sun
Mist on the top before seedlings appear, and water from the bottom for good seedling root growth
Re-pot once seedlings get about an inch tall to prevent overcrowding
Continue to re-pot until you can plant outside or until adequate pot for keeping indoors (about 4 – 6 inches in diameter)
Tips for growth
Water well – always moist and if in a pot, water from the bottom
Need about 6-8 hours of good light per day (indirect or direct)
Plant next to tomatoes
Add mulch around the base during the peak of summer to prevent drying out
Pinch back the top of the plant to promote a bushier growth
Photo: Humming Homebody
Harvesting
Pinch of the top leaves regularly for continuous growth
Take the whole leaf, don’t leave a stub as it can take resources away from growing new leaves
Can take stems, store in water in the fridge for about a week
Trim off flowers to continue the life of the basil
Store the leaves by drying them, if you blanche them first they will keep their green colour
Make pesto
Blend leaves and oil and freeze in cubes
Saving Seeds
The basil will eventually flower at the end of its life
Leave the flowers on the plant for as long as possible – the longer the seeds are dried on the plant, the more food is stored increasing the shelf life of the seed
Harvest after a few dry days to ensure flower is as dry as possible
Snip off flowers and shake into a paper bag
Seeds should shatter when smashed, so may need more drying in a sunny window
Label with variety and year and store in a paper or plastic bag in a dry, cool area