Growing Basil

Growing basil in a garden can be an easy experience if you know the correct way to do it. Since basil plants did originate in India, it is obvious that the basil plant needs a great deal of sun to make it grow to its full potential. Basil grows as a perennial in India, but in other cooler climates it grows as an annual.

Before you plant in the garden you want to consider sowing the seeds in a heated greenhouse or indoors until the leaves reach a 4-leaf stage. This should be done in the springtime so that they have time to get to the 4-leaf stage before summer. While the seeds are growing you must keep them well watered and warm. The seedlings can easily be transplanted to an outdoor garden in early summer. It is the ideal time in which to move them, because there is no chance of frost.

When planting them they need to be placed at least 16 - 20 inches apart so that they can cultivate to a large plant. You need to have a well-drained soil, where they can soak up the nutrients from the soil. You should keep them shaded for the first few days but after that they should be in a sunny, but wet area. You should also try to keep them away from wind, as they are very tender plants and are easily broken.

When growing basil it may be a good idea to put them between a tomato plant and other vegetables, because of the added benefit to both the plants. It not only adds to the flavor of the other vegetables and plants, but it also helps to deter insects from eating the plants. They will still attract bees and butterflies, but that just adds to the beauty of your garden. Once the basil plant has reached 6 inches you can start to take of the top sets of leaves. If you pinch them out it will give the leaves underneath an opportunity to grow and produce a healthy bushy basil plant. You should prune your plant every 2 to 3 weeks so that it will continue to grow over the summer. Basil plants can ultimately grow to approximately 2 feet tall, so not only will you be able to enjoy the taste of basil in your food, but also you can delight in a beautiful plant for your garden.

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