Sowed lots of lovely basil as I dooooooo love it, and it all germinated, and now it has all keeled over. I shall have to sow more at the weekend but honestly, I just can't get the darn stuff to grow in abundance. Just having a moan really. Do you have any top tips for me to try?
I've tried growing it from seed too EJ without much joy. I've had to resort to buying small plants of basil from the local garden centre. I hope someone can give us both some advice as I'd like to grow my own.
What seems to be the problem? What method are you using to start it? I've been growing mine from those individual peat pellets and it's coming along nicely. I've seen my friends start a bunch of seeds in the same pot/tray and theirs seem to die off pretty quickly, maybe it's something to do with that?
I have used Petunia's "baggy method" for growing herbs, and my basil is doing great so far, I haven't gotten as far as transplanting outside yet because they are too small and the weather is still undetermined as to what it wants to do... :-? Here's a couple of photos of my basil as of now...
I don't know EJ. you're having trouble with basil, I'm having trouble with rosemary, but I don't think I'm in the right zone for it either. I can suggest using that baggy method then thining them out once they come up. I have 6 new plants of basil. I didn't do many beause I'm pretty sure I had some in the garden last year. Here's the site that I posted on the baggy method. http://www.gardenstew.com/about9612.html good luck hope everything works for you.
I've fought raising basil starts for several years, finally found an answer. About June 1st., I plant the seed outdoors in a large 5 gallon container, place a Victorian bell over the top til seeds sprout, then remove it once the seedlings look good and strong. Container's kept in a sunny spot, bell removed for daily watering then replaced, vent holes in top allow excess heat to escape during the initial starting period. By August, pesto is being made, leaves being put up in olive oil for future use and extra pickings given away to anyone who wants basil. Have had excellant results with this method, has saved a lot of gray hair pulling in the process. Also use this same method for growing papalo, the cilantro substitute, with likewise crop production. I'm in zone 4, growing season is SHORT, but found these two grow beautifully outside when planted this way.
That baggy method is very interesting. I may well have a go. The seeds germinate, then keel over. I have used clean pots and fresh compost so damping off shouldn't really be too much of an issue. Maybe I am just too heavy handed. I shall report back.... Thanks for the advice peeps.
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Basil! If I could bottle it.. I'd wear it as perfume. Just another plant I have trouble keeping. I've tried planting in basil in the ground, planting in pots, placing in a glass in my kitchen window sill... end up dead! Each and every time.
I've tried to grow basil all kinds of ways,, what worked for me was very simple. compost. plain compost. nothing added to it. I just sprinkled the seeds right on the compost covered with plasitc wrap, and waited until they sprouted. Because this is the Arctic, i then had to put them over the heater on a wooden board, raised up high ofcourse. Since i started them i have manured watered them 2 times, and have seperated them 3 times because they have gotten to bushy for one pot. I have to keep mine in the house because of the night time is not really warm even tho the sun is out. but it worked for me,,, they love, the high nutrients of manure and compost. Right from the start. Ohh yeah, don't over water them but they do like a good drink. I also have found that growing the small leaf and thai basil is easier for areas that have intense light...like here.
I started mine in pots, covered with with plastic wrap and kept it moist...now I have it inside on my sun porch to keep the bugs away from it. It is doing great. I water it now when it gets a little droopy and miracle grow every other week and it is sprouting up. I do know it needs to be warm and a little coolness will kill it.
Thanks for the tips. I certainly will try those. For my outside attempts, the bugs did bother the basil. For my inside attempts, nothing works. Thanks again!
Just keep them warm and moist and you should be fine..once the basil touches the plastic wrap take it off so that it doesn't get burned.
Hehehe, blackthumb quit pinchin the leaves so much to get the smell to permeate the room and rubbin the plant under your ear for perfume and just maybe..... LOLOLOL
