How to Grow Basil: Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Daily Care Essentials
Basil is a medicinal and culinary dual-purpose aromatic plant, with a taste a bit like fennel. Its leaves are emerald green, its flowers are brightly colored, and its fragrance fills the air; it is actually a plant that can be grown as a potted ornamental. So how do you grow basil?
How to grow basil?
1. Site selection and soil preparation
Basil is a deep-rooted plant, so it is best to choose well-drained, fertile, loose sandy loam. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer to provide enough nutrients for basil's growth and speed it up. After applying the base fertilizer, rake the soil fine and level it, then make beds according to the terrain.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
When growing basil in the open air, the seeds need to be pre-germinated. After pre-germination is complete, sow in the south from March to April, and in the north from late April to May, choosing a sunny morning for sowing. Evenly scatter the seeds into furrows or holes, cover with a thin layer of soil, and keep the soil moist. After seedlings emerge, do a good job of thinning and other management.
3. Transplanting, water and fertilizer
When the seedlings have grown to about 10 cm or more, transplant them, and after transplanting, tread the soil flat and firm. During the seedling stage, weed 2-3 times to speed up the growth of basil's roots. After each cultivation, apply a thin dilution of human and livestock manure water to the seeds. Seedlings are very afraid of dry weather during growth, so water management for the seedlings should be done well, regularly watering with an appropriate amount of water.
4. Pest and disease control
Pay attention to aphids, Japanese beetles, thrips, leaf miners, snails, fungal wilt disease and other pests and diseases, do prevention work in advance, and spray pesticides reasonably.
The stems and leaves of basil are generally harvested from July to August, and growers must harvest in time. After harvesting, fertilizer and water management should also be done well to promote the sprouting of new leaves.