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Table of Contents:
Let’s dive into the Basil plant care do’s and don’ts
1. Don’t leave basil in the pot
2. Take care of your basil plant and put it in the light
3. Quench its thirst
4. Do not pour water on the basil plant
5. Don’t just pluck the leaves off
6. Put the basil plant outside
7. Cutt off Basil blossoms
8. Check the leaves
What to do with excess Basil leaves?
Hi there, we will talk about the basics of basil plant care 8 do’s and don’ts. Personally, I love fresh basil and almost always have a plant on my kitchen counter. The smell and taste are sweet and aromatic, and the fresh green color brightens up any dish. In the beginning, they tend to die quickly. But not anymore, So I made this post for you to enjoy your basil plant to the fullest!
I usually buy a basil plant from the supermarket that I put in a large pot at home. Here you’ll read the Basics Of Basil Plant Care 8 Do’s and Dont’s because If you pamper them a little, you can enjoy them for a long time!
Let’s dive into the Basil plant care do’s and don’ts
1. Don’t leave basil in the pot
Step on of basil plant care is that when you basil or any herb, in the supermarket it will die in no time. So when you get home, remove the basil from the packaging and the plastic pot and put it in a larger pot with fresh fertile soil. Preferably a pot with holes in the bottom so that any leftover water can drain away quickly.
2. Take care of your basil plant and put it in the light
Step two of basil plant care is that you need to put it in sunlight. Just like us, the basil plant likes a bit of sun on its head. After all, it is Italian! So place it in a spot where it gets plenty of sunlight 4 to 6 hours is perfect! But be careful not to put it in full sunlight, as it will wither or even burn.
3. Quench its thirst
It seems obvious, yet we stink at it every time: don’t forget to give your basil enough water. You don’t have to drown it, but a splash of water (or an ice cube!) every day works wonders.
You can check whether it is sufficiently hydrated by feeling whether the soil feels a little moist.
4. Do not pour water on the basil plant
This sounds a little crazy, but it is best to water the basil from below. Don’t pour the water over the plant. It is better to immerse the plant (possibly with pot and all, if there is a hole in the bottom) in a water bowl. Or put it on a saucer where you pour some water on. This way, the plant can absorb the moisture through its roots.
5. Don’t just pluck the leaves off
Are you going to use basil? Then don’t just pluck off the leaves, but cut the stems about an inch above the ground, or just above a pair of ‘true leaves’. This way, the energy does not go to the stems but to the roots, causing new branches and leaves to grow.
6. Put the basil plant outside
Your basil plant also does very well outdoors. When the temperature is around 70°F/20°C, put the plants outside. Again, it is best to put the basil in a large pot with fresh soil. Put it in a sunny spot, preferably a little sheltered and out of the wind. Then it will feel most at home.
7. Cutt off Basil blossoms
If you really into basil plant care and you like their aromas, and taste then this one is important. Because, if your basil is doing so well that it starts to blossom, it is wise to cut them off, so the plant will use its energy for the leaves.
8. Check the leaves
You can ‘read’ the color of the basil leaves. Are the leaves yellow? Then you’ve given it too much water.
Are they turning brown? Then it gets too little light. Remove withered leaves from your plant and move it to a sunnier spot.
What to do with excess Basil leaves?
Of course with good basil plant care comes an excess of basil leaves. Since it is a fierce growing herb you end up with quite some leave quickly. Luckily, preserving this herb is relatively easy and you have several options.
When interested in basil plant care and how to grow mint in your garden (or other herbs), continue to read that practical blogpost. It will surely help you on your way.
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