The Best Way to Grow Thai basil

A Thai basil plant can only be grown in full sunlight. Although it doesn’t require much space, the plant needs to be exposed to plenty of sunshine to thrive. To keep your plant healthy, you can place it in a pot. Make sure the soil is well-draining and contains a pH level between 6.5 and 7. This will make the plant thrive. A good way to improve the soil's drainage is to add organic matter such as compost.

Thai basil requires slightly acidic ground. Your soil may not be perfect. You can use one part compost for every three parts potting mixes. Keep the plant hydrated daily until there are at least two sets. Reduce the number of leaves that are only one set. This will promote leaf growth. Then trim the plant to shape. The leaves can be harvested when they have become a bit smaller. You can wait for the leaves to get harvested after fertilization.

For the best harvest, cut the stems of the flowers a few weeks before harvest. Essential oils are most concentrated in the morning. If you can't harvest the leaves in the morning, remove the stems. Wrap them in a towel and/or paper cloth to preserve their freshness. To keep them fresher, freeze the stems on ice cube trays.

Thai basil can be used fresh or dried. When dried, it can be stored in an airtight container lined with paper towels. It is important to keep the herbs dry in a dark and cool area. Alternatively, you can dry the basil by placing them on a drying screen for a couple of days before using them in your cooking. Basil-infused oils can even be made from dried herbs. You should follow the growing instructions to ensure you get a good harvest.

A Thai basil plant will produce several types of leaves. The Thai variety is often used in Asian cooking. It is also called Anise Basil and Licorice Basil. These two basils are completely different from the western varieties of the same name. Some basils have medicinal or religious uses. Thai basil is the most commonly used, due to its sweet, nutty flavour. In addition, it has a spicy flavor and an anise scent.

The leaves of Thai basil plants are tougher than others and are more heat-resistant. It makes a great ornamental and decorative plant. Its essential oils are thought beneficial to 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. Thai basil is recommended for those with sensitive stomachs or intestines.

FAQ

Do I need any special equipment?

It's not true. All you need to do is use a shovel, trowels, watering containers, and maybe even a rake.

What vegetables are good to grow together?

Growing tomatoes and peppers together is excellent because they both like similar temperatures and soil conditions. They work well together as tomatoes need heat to ripen and peppers need lower temperatures for optimal flavor. If you want to try growing them together, start seeds indoors about six weeks before planting them. When the weather is warm, transplant the pepper and tomato plants outside.

How many hours does a plant need to get light?

It all depends on what kind of plant you have. Some plants need 12 hours per day of direct sunlight. Others prefer 8 hours in indirect sunlight. Most vegetables need at least 10 hours of direct sunlight per 24-hour time period.

Which type of lighting best suits indoor plant growth?

Because they emit less heat then incandescent lamps, floralescent lights can be used indoors to grow plants. They provide constant lighting that doesn't flicker or dimm. Fluorescent bulbs come in both compact fluorescent (CFL) and regular varieties. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.

When to plant flowers?

Planting flowers during springtime is best when temperatures are warm and the soil feels moist. If you live in colder climates, it is best to plant flowers after the first frost. The ideal temperature for growing plants indoors is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Statistics

• Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
• 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)

External Links

almanac.com

• The Old Farmer's Almanac

bonnieplants.com

• Bonnie Plants - Garden Plants for Your Vegetable Garden or Herb Garden
• First Frost Date & Last Frost Date Regional Estimates Map Bonnie Plants

How To

How to grow basil

Basil is one of the most versatile herbs you can use in your kitchen. Basil can be used to flavor dishes and add flavor to sauces, soups, pasta, and desserts. These are some helpful tips to help you grow basil indoors.

1. Carefully choose your location. Basil is an evergreen plant. If it's not located in the right area, it will only last one season. It likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If you are growing it outside, choose a spot with good air circulation.
2. Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should not be planted more than two weeks prior to the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small pots filled with potting mix. Cover the pots with clear plastic wrap and keep the pots in a warm area out of direct sunlight. Germination takes approximately ten days. After they have germinated move them into a cool, shaded place where the temperature stays around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Once the seeds are big enough, it's time to transplant them. Take off the plastic wrap and transfer the seedlings to larger containers. Each container should be filled with potting mix. To help remove excess moisture, add gravel or pebbles. As necessary, you can add more potting material. The containers should be placed in a sunny location or under indirect lighting. 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 from cold weather and reduce water loss.
5. Water your plants frequently. Basil needs to be hydrated regularly to ensure its survival. To check how much water your plants need, you can use a rain gauge. A timer can be used to shut off the irrigation system when it is dry.
6. When your basil reaches its peak, pick it. You can encourage bushier growth by picking the leaves more often.
7. The leaves can be dried on paper towels or screens. Place the leaves in glass jars, bags or in the refrigerator.