Sowing & Growing

Start indoors by sowing seeds in March and April, ready for outdoor planting from the end of May onward or once the risk of frost has passed. Lightly sow in trays or pots with damp compost, covering them gently with finely sifted compost. Place them on a warm windowsill or greenhouse bench, ensuring the compost remains moist. Germination typically occurs in 7-10 days. Direct outdoor sowing is possible from June onward.

Growing in pots: Opting for pots allows you to provide warmth and ample sunlight, as you can relocate the plants throughout the day. Prevent drying out and shield the plants from drying winds. Apply a liquid feed every 2-3 weeks to promote robust growth.

Growing in beds: For outdoor beds or designated herb gardens, ensure well-draining soil. Plant seedlings 30cm apart and maintain consistent watering. Applying a mulch at the base helps prevent soil drying. A liquid feed every 2-3 weeks fortifies plant strength and health.

Aftercare: When watering, be cautious not to splash the delicate leaves. Promptly remove weeds as they appear around the base, avoiding the use of insecticides or fungicides to prevent leaf tainting.

Harvesting: Basil continues growing throughout the summer with regular watering and harvesting. Remove flower buds to encourage more leaf growth. Freeze fresh leaves for later use. Growing basil in winter is challenging, so consider drying leaves at the end of summer. Cut the whole plants at the base, hang them upside down in a dry, warm place. Once fully dried, crumble the leaves and store them in a dry, airtight jar for later use.