Basil
Ocimum spp.
Basil is a fragrant, leafy herb with a peppery flavour, widely used in culinary dishes, especially Italian cuisine. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is often grown in gardens, containers, or on windowsills. Basil is commonly used in pesto, salads, and tomato-based sauces.
Quick Information
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
1 Sow Basil Seeds Indoors
Start growing basil by sowing seeds in small pots or trays filled with seed compost, covering lightly with vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and warm at around 18°C for successful germination.
2 Prick Out Basil Seedlings
Once basil seedlings develop their first true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual 7.5cm pots with fresh compost to give roots room to grow.
3 Harden Off Basil Seedlings
Prepare your basil seedlings for the outdoors by gradually introducing them to external conditions in a sheltered spot over a couple of weeks.
4 Plant Out Basil Seedlings
Move hardened-off seedlings to a warm, sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil, spacing them 20-30cm apart for healthy growth.
5 Water Basil Regularly
Keep basil thriving with regular watering, especially during hot spells or when grown in containers. Water at the base to avoid leaf issues.
6 Fertilise Basil Occasionally
Support lush, leafy growth by feeding basil with a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks, steering clear of potassium-heavy options.
7 Pinch Out Basil Flower Buds
Prevent early flowering by pinching off flower buds as they appear, encouraging your basil to focus energy on producing tasty leaves.
8 Harvest Basil Leaves
Pick basil leaves regularly by pinching or snipping them off to enjoy fresh, home-grown flavour while promoting bushier growth.
Companion Planting Guide
Good Companions
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve pollination, enhance growth, and maximize garden space. Some plants release chemicals that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for sensitive plants.
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