Basil: On A Windowsill, In A Greenhouse, In An Open Field

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Compared to other aromatic spicy plants that grow well in the open field, basil is more whimsical to the air temperature, since it comes from hot countries, and therefore is a very thermophilic culture. Therefore, it is recommended to start sowing in the garden no earlier than the second decade of May. However, in order to feast on fragrant herbs early, you can grow the spice on the windowsill or place the beds in greenhouses and greenhouses

Growing basil indoors

In some countries, basil is a symbol of love and family well-being. He is considered the patron saint of passionate feelings in Italy, and in Latin America - a talisman that protects loving hearts from the temptation of betrayal. Perhaps the aromatic plant got such a meaning due to its tonic properties. Therefore, it is doubly useful to grow basil bushes in your homes and apartments. In addition, it has a rather decorative look, and such beds will become a worthy decoration of the windowsill in any kitchen.

Basil is easy to grow. It can be sown by the belt method in a container about 15 cm deep with the seeds that have been hatched. You can germinate seeds on a damp cloth. It is also effective to do such manipulations with paper rolls.

For this

1. Prepare paper towels and a length of about 15 cm of nonwoven fabric.

2. On the cut, lay out towels folded in 2 layers, moisten them with baking soda with a growth stimulator and spread the seeds at a distance of approximately 1-1.5 cm from the edge.

3. After that, the tape is rolled into a roll, tied or intercepted with a tight elastic band and sent to a warm dark place for seeds to germinate.

4. To create a favorable microclimate, it is useful to cover crops with foil.

5. After the seeds hatch, the roll is carefully rolled out, sprinkled with soil on the seedlings and folded back into its previous shape. Now they put it in a deep container, because the seedlings will need watering.

So, periodically pouring earth on top, seedlings can be grown before transplanting into more spacious containers or separate decorative pots.

Growing basil in greenhouses and greenhouses

In the presence of empty greenhouses and greenhouses in the off-season, basil can be sown directly into the ground. Seeds are sown using the belt method. Seedling care consists of watering, loosening, weeding.

It is an annual crop, but multiple yields can be obtained from it. The first cut is carried out after the greens have reached a height of about 10 cm. After that, the plant will branch better and the next harvest will give twice.

When the time comes to free up greenhouses for growing cucumbers and other vegetables, the aromatic herb can be transplanted into the open field. The optimal time for this is the last decade of May.

When arranging beds in the garden, planting is carried out according to the 15 x 20 cm scheme. But if there was not even a piece of land in the garden for these purposes, it does not matter, because basil will be an excellent decoration in the garden. It can be placed along paths and fences - it will perfectly fulfill the role of a curb culture.

Basil storage

Basil produces a bountiful harvest. And it can be difficult to consume the whole mass of greens in one season, even taking into account the fact that it is used for preparations in the preservation of cucumbers, tomatoes, and the preparation of homemade sausages.

To preserve basil for a year until a new harvest is obtained, it is dried and stored in airtight containers. Thanks to this, it retains its useful qualities and does not lose its bright aroma. Before that, you can grind it in a blender - this way the seasoning will take up less space. As such, it can be used in recipes for a wide variety of dishes - for sauces for meat and fish dishes, in soups and salads.