Basil is a wonder leaf. It is a great-tasting adornment for a variety of salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
It can be bought conveniently at your local market and nearby groceries. But you may also obtain your basil leaves by growing them yourself.
Doing the latter makes a rewarding hobby, especially for those who are in love with planting.
How to grow basil is pretty much an easy task. That is considering that the surrounding and the climate in your area is suitable for its healthy growth.
You may also grow basil under a cold climate for as long as you keep it under controlled conditions.
Tutorial on how to grow basil
Step 1: Work the soil. You must prepare the soil to be suitable for planting.
It must be weed-free, well-fertilized, and have a drainage so as not to retain too much water. Basil leaves do not thrive with frost.
Make sure that you time your planting during the period when your plant can enjoy between six and eight hours of sunlight each day.
Step 2: Dig a hole in your soil that is one to two inches deep. Place the seeds into the hole and cover them with compost.
Step 3: Water your seeds regularly, keeping them evenly moist yet not too watery.
The seedlings will produce leaves in a little while. You must thin them regularly to allow a growth that is bushier.
Step 4: You need to fertilize your basil plant twice a month for the first two months then once a month for the duration of the growing period.
Step 5: When you need to use them, you can pick young basil leaves every so often.
That will not only allow you to add a distinctive flavor to your home-cooked meal but also encourage your basil to grow further.
Remember not to cut the whole stem because that will weaken the plant, causing it to die out afterward.
If you have harvested more than you will need for the day, you can store your basil leaves in a jar filled with water.
Place the container away from sunlight to keep the leaves fresh and flavorful.
Keeping basil leaves on the refrigerator is not advisable since it can produce a smelly odor and an ugly black color.
Basil leaves are perfect for a variety of dishes you can prepare for the family. Its aromatic flavor when combined with other ingredients produces a yummy outcome.
