Growing basil easily

Last summer, I first tried growing basil in flats. It was a smashing success. Harvested often, I had lots of tender leaves to use in pesto and for flavoring. In contrast, the plants in the ground had their usual tough leaves, etc., although bees and other visitors enjoyed the flowers.

So this year, I duplicated the method. Fabulous, again. These flats are the multi-harvested one on the right, and the newly sown one on the left.

Comments

  1. I love your idea, I think that I will try the flats myself. I am growing basil and rosemary in terra cotta pots and my basil is VERY tough. I love gardening with native plants. I live in South Florida so we are blessed with many beautiful native plants.

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  2. I wonder what causes basil to be tough. Basil seems to love my clayey soil (amended with organic matter) in piedmont, N.C.

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  3. great idea! i think i may have to do that..thanks..:)

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  4. This is a good suggestion! Thanks, gail

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  5. This method is totally easy, and delicious. By snipping away at the plants, young tender growth is encouraged, so you've got a great supply of succulent young basil leaves. These flats get lots of afternoon sun, but minimal morning sun, so aren't stressed at all.

    I think tough basil leaves are either old or haven't had enough water (certainly an issue in hotter climates like ours in the SE).

    And, I've made pesto out of tough leaves, and it's sort of OK, but certainly not optimal!

    Cheers,
    Lisa

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