Best for Containers- Basil Plants

Basil is one herb you can find in almost every kitchen! Integral to a number of recipes savored across the world, this perennial herb is a great option for every home garden. Growing basil in containers is both economical and easy. Also, it’s a fun filled way of ensuring that only safe, best tasting food makes it to your plate.

You can start basil seeds indoors 4-6 weeks from the final frost date for your region. Check the seed packet for details of the right planting depth, spacing and temperature range for basil seeds. Basil seeds take about 7-10 days to germinate. Make sure you irrigate on a regular basis so the seeds can get all the moisture they require. After the seedlings develop 3-4 pairs of true leaves, you can transplant them to individual containers. 

An 8 inch container with sufficient drainage holes is perfect for growing basil plants. Fill in with good quality container soil, up to a couple of inches from the top of the container. Dig a hole that can accommodate the plant’s roots with ease. Set the seedling into the hole and refill. Water thoroughly.

Basil plants will do best at a site where they can get full sun for 5-6 hours a day. Mulch the young plants, using a mix of straw, chopped leaves and other organic materials. This will keep away the roots and help in retention of moisture.

Basil plants thrive on moist conditions but have a known dislike for standing water. I’d suggest you water the plants deeply whenever the soil appears to be drying up. Pinch off the tops of new shoots, along with basil flowers. This will encourage faster growth.

Growing basil in containers involves little care and lesser effort. But it’s very rewarding! Start now.

Drying & Preserving Herbs

This weekend I was in the garden, up to my elbows, harvesting herbs. Even with my neighbor snipping his way through the herb garden this summer, there was a pile of basil, rosemary, mint and thyme remaining.

Since you can only do so much with Pesto, here's an article about preserving herbs that provided some helpful ideas.