Basil, this type of herb not only has a unique flavor but also high nutritional value, and is a common guest on many family dining tables. How to grow basil on your own balcony? This article will introduce you to the method of growing basil at home, allowing you to easily harvest green herbs.
Choose the right basil varietyThere are many varieties of basil, including purple basil, fragrant basil, and sweet basil. When growing basil at home, it is recommended to choose varieties with short growth cycles, strong adaptability, and rich aroma. Purple basil and fragrant basil are more popular choices.
Prepare planting containers and soil1. Container: Choose a container with good breathability and drainage, such as a ceramic pot, plastic pot, etc. The size of the container can be determined based on the number of basil plants and the growth space.
2. Soil: Basil prefers fertile, well-drained soil. You can choose to buy special herb soil or mix peat soil, perlite, and vermiculite evenly to make soil suitable for basil growth.
Planting basil1. Sowing: Sprinkle basil seeds evenly on the soil surface, cover them with a thin layer of soil, keep the soil moist, and control the temperature between 18-25°C. Generally, it can germinate in 5-7 days.
2. Transplanting: When the basil seedlings grow to 5-6 leaves, they can be transplanted. Pay attention to keeping the soil moist during transplantation to avoid root damage.
Daily maintenance1. Watering: Basil prefers a humid environment but should not accumulate water. During the growing period, keep the soil moist, and increase watering frequency appropriately during high temperatures in summer.
2. Fertilization: During the basil growing period, apply a thin fertilizer every 15 days or so, mainly nitrogenous fertilizer, to promote plant growth.
3. Pruning: Basil grows rapidly, and it is necessary to trim the withered leaves and long branches in time to keep the plant neat and beautiful while promoting the growth of new buds.
Harvest and storage1. Harvest: Basil has a short growth cycle, and it can generally be harvested 40-50 days after planting. When picking basil, pick it from the bottom of the plant to the top, leaving a certain number of leaves to allow the plant to continue growing.
2. Storage: Fresh basil can be stored in the refrigerator, placed in a plastic bag, and kept in the refrigerator. It can also be dried or made into basil oil to extend its shelf life.
Planting basil at home is simple and easy. By mastering the correct planting method and daily maintenance skills, you can easily harvest green herbs. Growing basil at home not only satisfies your taste buds but also adds a touch of vitality to your balcony. Give it a try now!