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How to Dry Herbs

How to Grow Basil Herb

Annual

If you tend to a herb garden, you almost certainly grow Basil. Basil herb is one of the most popular herbs in both the garden and the kitchen. Basil herb plants are easy to grow.

Basil plants are attractive in the garden. You can grow them in the herb garden, in windowsill planters, or containers on your patio or deck. They are very popular grown indoors during winter months. They do need a sunny window, but are otherwise easy to grow indoors.

There are many varieties to choose from. The most common varieties are Sweet Basil and Genovese Basil. Some varieties have flavors like anise, cinnamon, lemon and licorice.

How to Grow Basil:

Grow Basil in full sun to partial shade. Basil will grow well in rich to average garden soil. Soil should be well draining. Soil should be moist to slightly dry. They are tolerant of dry soil conditions.

Basil are grown from seed. Sow seeds directly into your herb garden after all danger of frost has past. Space 3 to 4 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart. Or, grow Basil in clumps. They tolerate crowding. Most varieties will grow up to about 18".

We suggest an early indoor start, so you can begin to enjoy this herb early in the gardening season.

Add a general purpose fertilizer when planting, and once a month throughout the season.

Water plants during dry periods, at least once a week.

Harvest leaves and stems. Rinse well, then dry them in a cool, dry place. Make sure they are completely dried before storing. Or, you can freeze basil for later use. More information on harvesting and drying herbs.

Main Uses:

Basil is used in cooking recipes all over the world. The most common and well known are Italian recipes and Oriental cooking.

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