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Growing Basil – Tips on Growing Basil

Herbman — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:44:11 +0000

Herbs can benefit life in many ways. Growing basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an super way to spice up the garden and your favorite recipes. Unknown to most, basil is actually a member of the mint family! Although there is a few different varieties of basil, sweet basil is the most popular and well known. This herb is well known for flavoring foods and in its long past has been used for folk remedies.

Folklore-

Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. Italian lovers would wear a piece of basil in their hair when courting ladies. The Mexicans thought it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.

Medicinal use-

Growing basil can provide major health benefits. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. Basil, is a cure-all herb that can treat many disorders and ailments from headaches to indigestion. There are so many benefits derived from basil, that it is known as the ‘King of Herbs’.

How to Grow Basil-

Growing basil can be childs-play. The seed can be sown indoors, then transplanting outside at a later date. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is inadequate lighting in your home.

Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about 1″ apart. After a few leaves have grown, the basil can then be re-planted. But, always be sure the last frost has past.

Organic mulch should be added to the surface about 3” deep. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.

When re-planting, dig the herbs in at least 1 – 1 feet apart from each other, to ensure appropriate growing space. Growing basil has two main requirements: well draining soil, and a sunny, but damp area.

Basil should be pruned fortnightly to increase its hardiness. To do this, clip the leaves back, but stop ¼ inch above the node. This is to ensure enough foliage is left for growth to continue. Deadhead any flower stems to make sure the plant stays in production.

It’s a good idea when growing basil, to plant it near your tomato vines. Both of these plants require above average sunlight, and watering, so it is convenient to place them close to each other. Basil next to tomato – like bolognese sauce! Basil also acts as a natural insect repellent, either in the home kitchen, or to keep pests away from other plants.

After 6” of growth, the top leaves are ready to be clipped. This herb has been known to reach heights of up to 24 inches. Growing basil not only adds to your culinary delights, it is delightful addition in the garden.

How to Grow Basil

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Growing Basil – Tips on Growing Basil is a post from: HerbGardenFacts.com

Growing Parsley – How to Grow Parsley

Herbman — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:42:13 +0000

Parsley, (or Petroselinum crispum), is a biennial herb but grown as an annual. Mostly known its curly leafed variety as a side garnish at restaurants. Even the sprigs from growing parsley can be eaten, and can add a nice flavor to soups, main meals, and especially salads.

In Medieval times, starving people placed parsley on the tables and around their necks to absorb food odors. This practice makes you wonder exactly what they were eating. It was also used as a poison antidote. I’m sure this would be most useful for those who became ill from consuming any rancid meat…

High temperatures are required in order for the growing parsley to germinate. But it could take a couple of weeks to a month for the leaves to begin to sprout. The seeds need to be soaked in warm water over night before planting. The seeds can be kept inside the house and sewn in pots, until the seeds begin to sprout.

Plant parsley in early springtime. Place in rows around 12 inches apart from each other. Cover the bed 1/2 inch deep. Bonemeal needs to be added to the top of the soil.

After seedlings grow to about 3 inches in height, they can then be planted outdoors. {Pick a spot for growing parsley that will get at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day!Although parsley enjoys direct sunlight, it should only receive between 6 – 8 hours per day}. Full sunlight or partial shade is best.

Provide the growing parsley with soil rich in organic matter. Your efforts will be rewarded in a healthy crop gathered from the garden. Consider planting in a container if you have poor soil conditions or not enough space.

If kept indoors, remember that parsley requires at least five hours on sunshine each day. Fertilizer should be added to growing parsley to help growth throughout the season. During the summer, water the herb often to ensure the soil remains damp. Add mulch to the soil to reduce moisture loss and prevent growing weeds. Later thin the plants to stand about six inches apart.

Parsley lasts all season, and the time between planting and harvesting is 12 weeks. Because it is a biennial, the herbs will start to produce seed, which ends the plants use as an herb. As for drying parsley, the leaves can be dried in the Autumn and placed in air-tight containers. For growing parsley indoors, transplant into plant pots beforehand. The following spring, remove the flower stems as soon as they appear to keep the plants active.

Growing parsley tips

To benefit its long roots, growing parsley in a deep pot is a good idea. To help parsley to withstand low temperatures, try lightly mulching.

Parsley medical uses

The herb is also full of nutritious ingredients, minerals and vitamins. The use of parsley is believed to be a relief for arthritis. The herb is a known diuretic used to treat the symptoms of patients with kidney and liver problems. Parsley seeds made into a tea is a good remedy for stomach troubles, especially colic. Parsley is a well known breath freshener when chewed. It is also used to loosen phlegm for bad coughs, and has even been used as an aphrodisiac!

With growing parsley, always remember to keep the plant bed wet, the herb fed regularly and kept warm.

The herb will repay you in a green presentation to adorn your culinary creations.

Growing Edible Plants : How to Grow Parsley