How to grow basil from seeds
Basil is a very easy herb to grow and as such it can be grown almost anywhere. A sunny windowsill in your kitchen is an ideal location for basil, especially if you use a lot of it in your cooking. It can also be grown in the garden, but it is quite a tender plant and will need to be harvested before the weather turns.
Basil plants can be kept indoors all summer where they particulary enjoy being on a windowsill where it is sunny and warm. If you prefer, you can pot the basil outdoors around late May, early June.
Just follow these simple step by step instructions and you will grow perfect basil plants.
- Decide on how many pots/seeds you wish to use first of all
- Next place good quality compost in each of the pots, water each one and leave to drain
- Sprinkle the seeds onto the surface of the damp compost – this can be a little fiddly so take your time
- Spread a thin layer of fine compost over the seeds (try not to disturb them)
- Cover each pot with either a small see through food bag or clingfilm
- Label the pots then place them on a windowsill so they have plenty of light – they need to be kept around 23C whilst the seeds germinate
- After about 5-6 weeks remove the rootball from the pot and, using a pencil, gently separate each plant
- Get some new pots ready, make sure they contain good quality multi-purpose compost
- Make small holes with a pencil in the compost, then holding each seedling by its leaves, gently tease the roots into the new hole
- Press the compost gently around each plant to make sure to make sure it is secure
- Return the basil plants to a warm, sunny position and watch them grow
Growing your own basil from seeds can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. Not only will you produce wonderful herbs, you will save money too by growing them yourself.
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