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Basil Growing Guide

All you need to know to grow successfully!

Plant Family:
Lamiaceae
Plant Type:
Annual
Typical Season:
Warm season
Typical Zones Grown In:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Growing Difficulty:
Easy

Tips from Limitless Growth

Basil is one of our favorites to grow from seed.   Seeds are cost-effective and they respond well to being put outside with limited hardening off.  Basil does well in a window sill for year-round growing so you have unlimited pesto!

If you’re more into hydroponics or aquaponics, we have found lots of success growing in media beds with the flood and drain method.  Basil will even respond pretty well in a raft system, just make sure you start from seed in Rockwool or similar.

Another awesome benefit of pesto is that it will increase the taste of your tomatoes and will deter pests from most crops.  Put it by a door to deter insects from entering your home when you go in and out.  It is also an excellent crop to add to your square foot garden as it will deter pests from your other crops.

Basil is a crop we should all have, even if we don’t enjoy the taste.  The other benefits it has are incredible.  Follow this basil growing guide to see the typical recommendations for growing basil, but don’t limit yourself.  These are just guides most growers recommend, but feel free to experiment!

Planting Guidelines

The following are general guides to follow. However, nothing is set in stone. Feel free to experiment!

How to Start:
Direct Sow, Start Indoor
When to Direct Sow:
June, May
When to Start Indoors:
January, March, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Sprouting Time:
5-10 days
Soil Temperature (C):
15-25
Depth:
1cm (½”) deep
Spacing (cm):
4-8" apart
Row Spacing (cm):
18" apart
Sun Exposure:
Part Shade, Full Sun
Maturity Time:
30-40 days
When To Harvest:
January, March, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
How to Harvest:
Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because when you chop you will notice the basil going dark. The oil stays in the leaf and does not properly flavour your food. Try to add just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront. For a large harvest, you can cut off as much as a half the plant at once.

Health Benefits

Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s check out some of the health benefits!

Is It Edible?
Yes
Edible Parts:
Leaves and stems
Potential Health Benefits:
Stress Reduction, Depression Fighter, Heart Health, Fights Diabetes, Cancer-Fighting , Brain Health, Disease Fighter, Repels Insects
Read More About The Health Benefits

Tips to Growing Organically

Growing without the use of pesticides and herbicides is easier than you may think and it’s better for the environment!

Companion Plants:
Tomato, Oregano, Pepper
What Plants to Avoid:
Common Pests:
Common Disease:
Bonus Grow Tips:
Grow basil indoors for year round production if you have adequate lighting.

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