How To Plant And Care For Basil

Discussing how to plant basil, how to grow your own basil, and how to care for basil. Basil is a great spice for cooking. There are many different kinds of basil that you can go and plant, but the most common are either a bush or sweet basil. There is a basil that is purple which adds color to your garden but when it is used it is not as sweet as other types of basil. There is also lemon basil which will make your garden and home smell so good when it is picked and used in foods.

How to care for your basil garden

Basil likes soil that is drained well. Basil also likes the heat and sun. To plant basil you will want to wait until the last day of the frost in your area. This is when the soil is warmest. You want to only put them about a fourth inch deep into the dirt and about 10 to 12 inches apart from one another. You will then have plants that are fuller and not as tall. When the plant has been in the ground for about six weeks, you will want to pick off the plant at the center of the shoot. This will keep the plant from flowering too early. You should put mulch down, this will keep moisture in the soil for the basil plant to grow better.

What is the best time of year to plant basil?

You will want to start to plant basil when the soil's temperature has risen to at least 55 to 60 degrees. So mid spring would be the best time for basil plants to grow to their fullest capacity.

What can be planted with basil?

The Basil herb can be planted with petunias, asparagus, and tomatoes. Basil will actually help the tomatoes growth and flavors. A few other things you can plant with basil are peppers, oregano and select other plants as well.

What should you never plant with basil

Avoid planting Rue and Sage with Basil. You do not want to plant basil with rue or sage as it is said that the anise increases the oil production in the basil plant, decreasing growth.