The Beginner’s Guide on How to Grow Basil Indoors
The smell of fresh basil perks up your senses and tantalizes your taste buds.
If you’re tired of buying fresh basil from the grocery store and would like to grow your own, one plant can do the job for the whole family. And growing basil indoors is even better!
Basil has many fantastic health and emotional benefits. Plus, growing it yourself is more cost-efficient.
Are you interested in growing this herb for yourself? If so, keep reading to learn the basics of how to grow basil indoors.
Contents
How to Plant Basil
Basil is an annual herb that is easy to grow indoors. The best time to plant basil is in the spring after the last frost has passed.
When planting basil, pinch off the leaves to encourage the plant to branch out. Basil can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
For more tips on how to grow basil indoors and how to start an indoor herb garden, check out this website. You can find all the information you need here.
The Best Soil for Basil
Many types of soils can be used for growing basil, but the best soil for basil is well-drained rich soil. Basil does not like to sit in wet soils, so it is important to make sure that the soil you choose for your basil is well-drained. A rich soil will provide the basil plants with the nutrients they need to grow and produce tasty leaves.
How to Water Basil
Basil is a delicate herb that needs consistent watering to stay healthy and produce leaves. The amount of water basil needs varies depending on the climate, but as a general rule, water basil when the top inch of soil is dry.
In hot, dry climates, you may need to water basil twice a day. In cooler climates, once a week may be sufficient.
Be careful not to overwater basil, as this can lead to root rot. When watering basil, always water at the base of the plant, not from above.
How to Fertilize Basil
To have a bountiful basil crop, it is important to give the basil plant the right amount of fertilizer. Too little and the plant will be stunted and produce fewer leaves. Too much and the leaves will be large but fewer in number and the flavor will be more intense.
The best way to determine how much fertilizer to give your basil is to do a soil test. You can also ask your local nursery or extension office for advice.
Once you know how much fertilizer to use, you can apply it before planting or during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and water the plants well after applying fertilizer.
How to Harvest Basil
Basil is a delicate herb that is best harvested in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Cut each stem about an inch above a set of leaves using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
If you plan on using the basil right away, put the stems in a jar or vase of water. Otherwise, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Grow Basil Indoors
If you’re looking for a guide on how to grow basil indoors, look no further! This guide provides everything you need to know, from seed to harvest. So what are you waiting for? Get growing!
If you enjoyed this article about growing basil indoors, be sure to check out our other gardening content.
