The Best Way To Grow Thai Basil

The best way to grow a Thai basil plant is to grow it in full sun. Although it doesn’t require much space, the plant needs to be exposed to plenty of sunshine to thrive. The plant can be planted in a container and maintained by regular watering. You should ensure that the soil is well-drained, has a pH of between 6.5-7. This will help the plant flourish. To improve the soil's drainage, you can add organic matter like compost.

Thai basil requires slightly acidic soil. Add one part compost and three parts potting soil to make it more perfect. Keep the plant hydrated daily until there are at least two sets. Reduce the number of leaves if you see only one set. This will encourage growth. Next, trim the plant to shape it. Once the leaves become smaller, it is ready for harvesting. You can wait for the leaves to get harvested after fertilization.

Trim the stems of the flower flowers before you harvest them. The essential oils are at their highest in the early morning. You can cut the stems of the plants if you are unable to harvest them early. Wrap them in a towel and/or paper cloth to preserve their freshness. To preserve their freshness even further, place the stems in ice cube tray filled with water.

Thai basil can also be dried. You can dry it in an airtight, lined container with paper towels. It is important to keep the herbs dry in a dark and cool area. Or, dry basil on a screen for a few more days before adding it to your cooking. Basil-infused oils can be made from dried herbs. Make sure you follow the growing tips to get large amounts of basil.

Thai basil plants will produce multiple types of leaves. The Thai variety is often used in Asian cooking. It's also known under the names Anise Basil and Licorice Basil. These basils are quite different from western varieties. Some basils are used medicinally and for religious purposes. Thai basil is the most popular because of its sweet and nutty flavor. It has a spicy taste and an anise fragrance.

The leaves of the Thai basil plant are robust and more heat-resistant than other varieties. It makes a great ornamental and decorative plant. Its essential oils are thought to be beneficial for the body. Regular consumption of leaves from the Thai basil plant may reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, lower the risk of getting cancerous, and even help you fight bacterial infections. Those with sensitive stomachs and intestines should consider growing Thai basil.

FAQ

How long can an indoor plant be kept alive?

Indoor plants can survive up to ten years. To encourage new growth, it is important to repot your indoor plant every few months. It's easy to repot your plant. Simply remove the soil and add new compost.

How big is a vegetable gardening space?

A good rule is that 1 square foot of soil needs 1/2 pound. If you have a 10-foot by 10-foot area (3m by 3m), then 100 pounds will be needed.

How often should I water my indoor plants?

Indoor plants need watering once every two days. Watering helps maintain humidity levels inside the house. Humidity can be vital for plants that are healthy.

Statistics

• Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
• According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com
• As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)
• 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)

External Links

bhg.com

• 6 Essential Steps for Starting Your First Vegetable Garden Off Right

thespruce.com

• Do you prefer to start your vegetable garden from seeds or seedlings?

How To

Basil growing tips

Basil is one herb you can use to make many different dishes in your kitchen. Basil is great for flavoring foods, including soups, sauces and pastas. Here are some tips to grow basil indoors.

1. Choose your location carefully. Basil is an annual plant and will only live one season if it's not in the right place. Basil likes full sunlight but can be tolerant of partial shade. It is best to grow it outdoors in an area with good air circulation.
2. Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should be planted at least two weeks before the last frost date. Place the seeds 1/2 inch deep into small pots containing potting mix. Cover the pots with clear plastic wrap and keep the pots in a warm area out of direct sunlight. Germination typically takes around ten days. Once the pots are germinated, you can move them to a place where temperatures remain around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Once they are large enough to handle, transfer the seedlings. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots by removing the plastic wrap. Pour the potting mix into each container. Add gravel or pebbles to drain excess moisture. Add more potting mix as needed. Place the containers in indirect or sunny light. The plants should be misted daily to prevent them from wilting.
4. Once the danger of frost is over, cover the plants with a thick mulch layer. This will protect them against cold weather and reduce water losses.
5. Water your plants frequently. Basil needs to be watered regularly in order for it to thrive. A rain gauge can be used to measure how much water plants need. Use a timer, which will turn off the irrigation when there is no rain.
6. Pick your basil when it reaches its prime. Pick leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth.
7. The leaves can be dried on paper towels or screens. Dry the leaves in glass jars and bags in the fridge.