Growing Basil

Growing Basil is an absolute must for anyone embarking on a journey of growing their own herb garden.

• When growing basil, it must be remembered that it is a tender annual which means it is a plant that germinates, flowers and dies all in one season.
• Basil prefers semi-shade especially in midsummer.
• You can sow the seeds towards the end of winter, but they will need to be protected from the cold and frost until all danger is past.
• Basil can be propagated very easily from seed.
• When growing basil from seed, plant them in seed trays.
• Use some germination soil and these seedlings will surprise you by popping their heads out within 7 days.

• When the seedlings reach the four-leaf stage they can easily be transplanted - 50cm apart and watered regularly to promote growth.
• Basil grows to between 30 and 60 cm in height.
• The herb basil can be grown in pots. When placed on windowsills they can brighten up the facade of any home small or large.
• Basil leaves should be harvested when they are young and can be stored for winter use by preserving half dried leaves in olive oil.
• Seeds can be used in pot pourri and dried seed heads in dry flower arrangements
• Leaves can be used for culinary, herbal and domestic requirements
  
  
  
  

Basil is an aromatic soothing herb, which is a good source of beta-carotene, it can be used for deficiencies in magnesium, potassium and calcium and makes an excellent herb for use in herbal remedies.

• Basil is said to be a tonic to calm the nervous system and a natural tranquilizer.
• Basil is well known as a digestion aid.
• In the "good old days" it was used in a poultice to draw the poison from insect bites and stings.
• Preparing herbs will clearly show how a poultice can be made from crushed basil leaves.
• Being irritated by flies? Then hang bunches of fresh basil in your cooking area - the flies will leave. Bruise the leaves regularly to emit the smell that the flies cannot stand.
• Dried basil stalks can be burnt on a fire to deter "mozzies".
• Crushed basil leaves massaged into the scalp are said to be one of the best remedies for hair loss.
  
• Try rubbing some fresh basil leaves into your temples to ease headaches.

Basil, the classic accompaniment to all tomato dishes that no self-respecting creator of Italian dishes should ever do without.

• Basil has a pungent spicy scent and brings out the flavors in many savory dishes, not just Italian.
• Add basil to your salad dressings.
• Basil is an essential requirement for pesto sauce used on all types of pasta.
• Try a pesto sauce flavored with basil on top of baked potatoes - very, very nice.
• It can be added to soups and stews and gives tomato bredie (a well known South African dish) a really special taste.
• Add finely chopped basil to your veggies like zuccini , brinjals and marrows.
  
  
  

You can happily plant basil between rows of tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers.



Basil augments their flavors and repels insects.

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