How to water basil?
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The origins and cultivation of basil
Basil is an aromatic herb native to South Asia and the Pacific Islands. It belongs to the mint family and is therefore very easy to grow.
We find its fragrant leaves in many recipes, mainly those of Italian (pesto) and Mediterranean (pistou) dishes. Basil seeds are used in Thai cuisine.
Basil , also known as the "royal herb," has very versatile growing conditions. Typically planted in May, it grows very quickly. It can go from seed to a harvest-ready plant in just 20 to 30 days. It's best to grow it a few weeks before the frost. Planting many seeds allows for sorting during the germination period. Fluffy seeds won't germinate, and sowing many seeds increases your chances of growing a dense basil.
How to water this aromatic herb?
Vaporizing Basil Seeds
Once your seeds are planted, you'll need to keep the soil moist. Misting is the most effective method for germinating seeds! A watering can with a spout would, in fact, send out a thick stream of water that would carry and move the seeds. Remember that a seed is a plant embryo with a developing root system . A spray bottle with a fine, diffused mist is therefore the ideal watering solution.
Moisture retention
To grow and thrive properly, your basil needs to maintain moisture ! The method will depend on whether you're growing it indoors or in the garden.
For growing in the vegetable garden , we recommend the Cloche Greenhouse . This provides a protective dome for your basil plant, against all sources of nuisance. First of all, it breaks the wind and creates a protective microclimate. It prevents the soil from freezing by warming it locally. It also effectively repels weeds, insects, diseases , and protects your fragile basil plant from falling objects or passing animals. And thanks to it, you will no longer risk mowing it with the lawn!
Indoors, there's a simple and inexpensive way to protect your plants. Place your seeds and some soil in a small pot covered with plastic wrap!
Maintaining humidity this way will allow you to drastically reduce your vaporization cycles!
When to water this royal herb?
At the seedling stage, your basil needs humidity: spray it every other day. Once it has really started growing, water it every fourth day.
We recommend watering in the morning. This prevents the roots from soaking in water when night falls and the temperature cools down.
Which water should you choose?
In its natural habitat, common basil is hydrated by rain . This water source is ideal because it is free of any traces of chemicals, chlorine, or pollution. To collect it, simply place a bucket at the gutter outlet.
For apartment gardeners, tap water will do the trick! If it's particularly chlorinated, fill your watering can and let the water sit overnight. The chlorine will gradually evaporate on its own!
The impact of your environment on watering.
The living conditions in your home greatly influence your plants' water needs. In a hot, dry home, you'll need to mist your basil more often.
The Importance of Soil Quality for Watering.
The soil for your aromatic plants should be loose and airy, with a neutral pH. As we'll see, excessive water retention can be fatal.
How to recognize an overwatered Basil?
Overwatering is the leading cause of houseplant death. It leads to the growth of germs and mold, and gradually destroys the root system. It can be identified by compact, very dark soil. Your basil will also react visually, with wilting and yellowing of the leaves and then the stems.
What to do if your herb is drowned?
If this is not already done, pierce the pot of your basil! Excess water must be able to be evacuated through drained soil , in order to avoid the swamp effect.
Next, place your aromatic plant near a heat source. This allows the water stored in the soil to evaporate into the air.
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