Gardening Advice: Instruction for Growing Basil
How to Grow Basil in Your Herb Garden
Basil is an annual herb plant (meaning that it requires replanting every year in your herb garden) that can grow up to approx. 24” tall.
In addition to growing it in your in-ground herb garden, basil is a good choice for growing in a container garden (for more information: see container gardening). You can also grow basil as a member of your (winter) indoor kitchen herb garden. Just be sure the soil is kept lightly moist, and that it gets plenty of sunlight.
Basil is believed to be a carminative/digestive. This means that it can soothe an upset stomach; help your digestive processes along; and relieve gas. However, Basil's primary use is as a culinary herb, who's flavor goes delightfully well with tomato dishes. Interestingly, growing basil and tomatoes together helps them both in the garden, for those interesded in companion gardening. For more information and instructions: companion planting.
Gardening Advice Tip: For growing bushier, more compact basil plants, pinch off the tips. Just like with pruning other plants, this causes new side shoots to grow.
At the end of the season, try converting a few basil plants as houseplants (and for your winter indoor herb garden). Dig up a few of the most vigorous and healthy basil plants. Plant them in a pot with composted, sandy potting mix, and water. Keep in a sunny location inside your home.
NOTE: A common wive's tale says that if you place a pot of basil on your table, it will keep flies away. I'm sorry to say that this hasn't been my personal experience though! in fact, the flies even seemed to take refuge in the basil plant!
Climate & Growing Conditions (back to top)
For planting basil, pick a sunny spot in your herb garden (sheltered from the wind, if possible).
How to Prepare the Garden Soil (back to top)
Basil will grow best in light, sandy, well drained soil mixed with organic matter (compost). The garden soil pH for this herb should be between 5.5 and 6.5. (Instructions for how to test your garden plot's soil pH level.)
How to Plant Basil (back to top)
You can start your basil crop indoors by planting seeds in a light seed-starter mix, keeping them warm (above 55 degrees), moist (not soggy), and with a daily exposure to daylight (through a window) or a grow light. Harden-off your seedlings before planting outside. When you plant your basil seedlings in your herb garden, space them approx 10" apart.
To plant outside from seed: Basil will grow best when the air and ground temperatures are warm. Wait until the outside temperatures are above 55 degrees (F), and there is no longer a danger of frost. Plant the seeds directly in your herb garden. Cover very lightly with light soil or seed starter, and keep moist. Note: don't over water, or your seeds will wash away! Misting the soil works best.
Thin plants to 10” apart.
How to Water (back to top)
Keep the soil lightly moist. Applying a layer of mulch (use mulch that hasn't been dyed or chemically treated) around your established basil plants will help keep the soil from drying out as quickly.
How to Harvest Basil (back to top)
Let your plants grow for about 6 weeks after planting before you start picking the leaves. Pick the tips first, to encourage the plant to sprout additional stems. Harvest as needed for fresh use.
Basil doesn’t tolerate frost, so make your final harvest just before the first Fall frost.
To extend your Basil harvest, pinch off the flowers when they appear.
Gardening Advice Tip: If you’re harvesting to dry your herbs, basil will have the best flavor if harvested shortly before it goes to flower.
Storage:(back to top)
How to Dehydrate / Dry Basil (back to top)
Basil tends to lose some of its flavor when dried (as opposed to frozen), but your own dried herbs will still be superior to anything you buy at the grocery store.Harvest your leaves before the plant flowers. (8 oz. of fresh herbs should provide you with about 1 oz of the dried herb.) Rinse with cold water and spin in a salad spinner (if you have one. If not, shake off the extra water and pat dry). Remove any discolored leaves. Arrange the basil leaves loosely on your dehydrator rack, or on a screen, allowing enough room for the air to circulate around them. If using a dehydrator, keep the temperature low (at or a little below 100 degrees (F)), or else you will destroy the herb’s oils. Dry until brittle.
You can also bunch the basil cuttings together and hang them in a well ventilated dry place to air-dry.
Store your dried basil in bottles or containers with tightly fitting lids. Keep in a dark location (such as a cabinet). Do not store in paper bags, as they will absorb the plant’s oils. Dried herbs should keep well for up to a year.
Note: Do not grind the leaves before storing. Wait until you’re ready to use them to grind them (or even just crush them with your hand).
How to Freeze Basil (back to top)
There are several popular ways to freeze basil, for use later in the off-season.
Option 1: Wash the basil leaves. Chop finely and place in ice cube trays. Fill with water and freeze. When frozen, remove from the trays and store frozen cubes in freezer air-tight bags in your freezer. Thaw cubes as needed for use in cooking.
Option 2: Blend basil leaves in your food processor or blender. Add enough olive oil to make a paste. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. When frozen, remove from the trays and store frozen cubes in freezer air-tight bags in your freezer. Thaw paste and use in cooking.
Option 3: For the closest semblance (other than transplanting your plants for use as houseplants) to fresh basil: Put a layer of sea salt in the bottom of a container. Place the basil leaves in a single layer (don’t overlap the leaves) on top of the salt. Then a layer of sea salt… and another layer of basil, etc. Store in the fridge or in a cool location. The texture will change a bit, but the leaves will stay usable and the flavor good for months.
Gardening Advice Tips (back to top)
Have a helpful gardening tip (or even a funny story) to share about your basil growing experience? Share it with us at: gardeningtips@howtogardenadvice.com
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