Basil: The King of Herbs

One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly called sweet basil. Often called the 'king of herbs,' basil can be grown indoors or out. Sweet basil has inch-long, oval-pointed, dark green leaves and a clove-pepperish odour and taste. Sweet basil makes a handsome, bushy small plant, growing to a foot or more indoors. A purple-leafed variety, 'Dark Opal' is decorative, makes a lovely houseplant, and is equally useful in cookery. Do not let basil bloom, or it will go to seed. Instead, pinch out the plant tops and they will grow into compact little bushes.

Basil is an annual and grows 12 ? 24 inches (30 ? 60 cm) as the height varies according to the variety. Cultivation requirements for growing basil: full sun; light, well-drained, nutrient rich, slightly acidic soil; frequent watering (don't waterlog); will not tolerate cold; pinch off flower stalks for a longer season of leaf production.

Basil can be easily started from seed or can be brought indoors at the end of the growing season. If you are bringing basil indoors, choose the most robust plants. Before the first frost, dig them out of the garden and pot them up in fresh potting soil. Basil can also be grown in pots outdoors and treated the same way when bringing them in for winter. Check for insects and if there is an infestation, spray with a soap and water spray. Gradually reverse the hardening off process by keeping the pots out of direct sunlight for about a week. The plants will become acclimatised to the lower light conditions they will experience indoors. Bring them inside and provide the conditions they need to continue growing.

Basil requires at least five hours of sunlight a day to stay healthy and flavourful. If you are growing basil on the windowsill, turn regularly to ensure every side receives light. Don't let basil leaves touch the cold glass. Basil grows even better under fluorescent lights in the winter. Hang the lights 6 inches (15 cm) from plants and leave lights on for 14 hours a day.

There are many cultivars of basil. Two that are particularly popular are: O. basilicum 'Dark Opal'- only herb to win the All American Award of Excellence ? can be used the same as sweet basil; O. basilicum 'Citriodorum'- strong lemon scent ? nice for tea and with chicken and fish.

In the garden, basil can be planted with tomatoes as it helps to overcome both insects and disease. Basil also repels flies and mosquitoes. In the kitchen, use basil in tomato dishes (both raw and cooked), pesto, sauces, salad dressings, soups, fish dishes, mushroom dishes, egg and rice dishes, mixed with other herbs, omelettes, pasta dishes, vegetables such as carrots, eggplant, cabbage, squash, and zucchini. Use fresh leaves in salads and add fresh leaves to vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Basil can be used fresh, frozen, or dried. Use basil with discretion, as it is one of the few herbs that increase in flavour when heated.

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace ? Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul and the booklet Non-toxic Alternatives For Everyday Cleaning And Gardening Products. She owns the website Gwen's Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the books and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca

Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 ? 2005. All rights reserved

---

How To Choose Water Garden Plants

So. The water garden bug has bitten. You've dug and... Read More

Wildlife Gardener

Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More

Introducting KOI-Cam!

This is a project I've had on the back burner... Read More

Orange Perennials For Your Garden

Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes,... Read More

Tranquility in Your Own Back Yard

A garden fountain can add beauty and serenity to you... Read More

The String Algae Blues

Now that Spring is upon us and things are coming... Read More

Composting and Composters: A Basic Introduction

Why Compost?Recent studies show that an average family throws away... Read More

How and When to Plant Roses

When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is... Read More

Mulch Your Spring Bulbs In The Fall For A Beautiful Spring Display

Flower bulbs need a good, long, winters sleep. Like some... Read More

Why are Adirondack Chairs & Adirondack Furniture a Cottage Favorite?

With summer right around the corner, it's time to sit... Read More

Cat Repellent or How to Keep Cats Out of Your Garden

Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More

Fall Garden Chores for Spring Flowering Bulbs

As the school busses begin to rumble down the road... Read More

Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More

The Meanings Behind the Colors of Roses

Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by... Read More

Tidy Your Garden Up Cheaply

Recently I got involved with gardening. Preior to that, all... Read More

Nontoxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden

Pesticides are toxic and, while often effective against pests, can... Read More

All About Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid tea roses and the original tea rose are the... Read More

Fish Health in Hot Summer Heat

Summer is over, but for many of us - the... Read More

Teak Adirondack Chairs

Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More

Create and Furnish Your Outdoor Room

More and more people are enjoying their time spent outdoors... Read More

Delavays Blueberry (Vaccinium delavayi)

Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More

Protecting your Garden Pond from Pesky Predators

Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are present year-round,... Read More

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you... Read More

The Difference Between Large and Small Ponds

If you think that a large pond is simply a... Read More

Fountains of Refreshment

When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More

Mustard: The Greatest Among The Herbs

Mustard plants have been used for thousands of years for... Read More

Teak Umbrella : Add the Final Touch to Your Patio

Okay, so you have agonized for weeks and finally went... Read More

Winter Gardening Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit... Read More

Flower Meanings & History of Flowers

The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people... Read More

Teak Furniture: The Premier Outdoor Furniture

When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase... Read More

5 Simple Steps to Care For Your Push Reel Mower

Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they... Read More

Starting a Shade Garden...

The shade garden can be exploding with color and texture.... Read More

How to Grow Chocolate Cosmos

Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguinea) is both nose and eye candy... Read More