Growing Basil In Your Herb Garden

Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is a symbol of love in Italy. All varieties of sweet growing basil can be successfully grown in practically any climate.

In the olden days, this fragrant herb was given to a lover as a token of fidelity. A lovesick man tucked a sprig of basil behind his ear as he went to see his sweetheart.

The basil plant is an extremely hardy annual plant. Tall varieties of sweet basil plant, a member of the mint family, grow over two foot high.

Known for attracting bees, growing basil is a welcome addition to a successful garden. There are numerous varieties including Greek, lemon, ruffled, or red basils.

The Sweet Basil plant is a great choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike because the herb is very simple to grow.

• *Basil seeds may be sowed in early spring as soon as all danger of frost has passed.

• To grow basil the location should be in full sun and contain rich well-drained soil.

• *A single row of three feet is ample garden space for the average size family.

• *Plant basil seeds about a half inch deep in the soil.

• Tall, sweet basil plants should be spaced around a foot apart. After germination, which usually takes less than a week, the herb begins growing quickly.

• Basil has been used for years to repel mosquitoes who do not like the overpowering scent.

Great basil is also a suitable herb for indoor herb gardening container growing which often grows better indoors. Plant basil seeds in small pots to avoid disturbing the roots.

Pinch off the flowering shoots to extend useful life of the plant. Root non-flowering side shoots in pots during summer for use all winter long.

Growing great basil is relatively worry free by starting with healthy plants. Through maintaining a good soil condition and regular watering, you are guaranteed an abundant crop. Mulching annually with light compost is all that is typically needed for most herbs to thrive.

As soon as the basil plants are large enough to pick, the fresh leaves can be harvested for flavorings.

• *To dry basil, when the herbs first begin to flower, cut the herb six inches above the ground.

• *Several cuttings of the leaves may be made throughout the growing season.

• *Spread the basil thinly on a clean screen in a shady place.

• *Strip the dried basil flowering tips and leaves from the stems.

• *Pack in airtight containers.

• Quick freezing is an easy method to preserve the full summertime flavor of growing basil year round. The best time to gather herbs is before the sun has dried the morning dew.

• *Cut tops with sufficient stems to tie into bunches.

• *Dip each bunch into boiling water for one minute. (Sweet basil turns black if steam hits the leaves before the herbs are submerged in water).

• *After blanching, plunge sprigs into ice water to chill for a couple of minutes.

• *Drain leaves, put into freezer bags, and then into the freezer.

Basil Uses

Used since ancient times, all varieties of sweet basil are equally delicious when used as culinary seasonings.

The clove like aroma of fresh or dried basil leaves give a delectable flavor to eggs, fish, meat, vegetables, salads, dressings, seafood, soups, stews, vinegars, and sauces.

Oil of basil is an ingredient in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and liqueurs. Growing basil is also called St. Joseph wort and has medicinal uses such as for soothing pain and treating upset stomachs.

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