Growing Basil

Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an easy way to spice up the garden and your favorite recipes. I am pleased to introduce, Basil, a sweet herb, member of the Mint Family. Sweet Basil is the most popular grown basil plant but it grows in a host of other varieties. This herb is well known for flavoring foods and in its long past has been used for folk remedies.

Folklore--

Throughout history, growing basil has held significance to cultures all over the world. The people of India swore their oaths in court on basil leaves. To signify love, Italian suitors wore a sprig of basil in their hair when they courted their ladies. The Mexicans believed it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.

Medical uses--

Growing basil provides major health benefits. The herb is a natural source of beta-carotene, which is packed with Vitamin A. Basil, is a cure-all herb that can treat many disorders and ailments from headaches to indigestion. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the "King" of herbs.

Growing Basil--

No need to worry, growing basil is a breeze. You can grow basil plants started from seed indoors before transplanting into the garden. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. The basil plant needs plentiful sunshine to thrive. You can use fluorescent 'grow' bulbs if there is inadequate lighting in your home.

Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about an inch apart. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. Make certain you wait until a late frost is no longer a threat.

Add a layer of mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.

To grow a good-sized plant, the herbs need to be spaced a minimum of 16 to 20 inches from each other. For growing basil, it has essentially two requirements, a well draining bed, and a sunny, moist area.

Prune at least every two weeks to increase the health of the plant. Clip leaves back to about a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth.
Deadhead any flower stems to keep the plant in production.

An excellent gardening tip when growing basil is to plant it near your tomato vines. Both of these plants require a lot of sunlight, and watering, so it is convenient to place them close to each other. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these two plants go well together. Basil is a big help around the kitchen and helps to repel insects in the garden.

You may begin to harvest by pinching off the top growth of leaves when the basil has grown a height of six inches. Your basil plants can reach up to two feet tall when fully grown. Growing basil not only adds to your culinary delights, it is delightful addition in the garden.

Michael Floren is an avid gardener and he has been growing basil for more than a decade. You can learn more about growing basil and other great herbs at http://grow-herbs.net/