Using And Growing Basil

Growing basil from seed is not difficult and the varieties are amazing and fun to try.Growing basil plants in your garden or container garden will yield a bountiful crop. One suggestion is that you try planting basil between your vegetables and flowers rather than all by itself. The basil leaves can be used in a assortment of ways in your kitchen. .

Growing The Plant

Growing Basil, while easy, does require some considerations based on your location. In the northern climates, basil grows well, but will die outside if exposed to freezing temperatures. To prevent this, sow your plant inside in a pot, then transfer it outside in late spring or early summer once the danger of nighttime freezing is past. Be sure to plant it where it gets a lot of exposure and little shade, since it thrives in sunlight.

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Growing Basil Indoors

Growing basil indoors is easy and fun. Begin with seeds, seedling or cuttings from plants. Growing Basil plants must get at least 6 hours of direct sun a day. Basil will grow in partial shade but only in the hottest areas of the country. Growing basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is so easy your first batch of homegrown basil will make you feel like a blue-ribbon gardener.

It's this love of sunlight that makes basil particularly great for growing in southern climates. You should be able to plant the basil outside, and although the plant will eventually die in the winter, the seeds will survive and grow into healthy plants when spring comes. Be aware, though, that any flowering stems will lose their leaves, and thus no longer be useful for food. To prevent this from happening to all your basil, pinch off flower stems before they mature.

Harvesting

Basil is best when the leaves are fresh, and they're at their peak of flavor if you harvest them in the morning, before the sunlight dries out the plant somewhat. Leaves quickly lose their flavor if you wait to use them, but blanching and freezing the leaves often helps to preserve flavor if you intend to store them over a long period of time. The best thing about growing basil, though, is you can always just pick the leaves when you're ready to cook.

Uses

Basil is a versatile herb used in many recipes, particularly in Italian and Asian cooking. Try adding fresh chopped basil to tomato sauce for a more authentic Italian flavor. Alternately, find a good recipe for pesto, which is made primarily of basil. Add flavor to your Asian stir-fry dishes with whole leaves, which add great flavor. So, give growing basil a try and find out what a difference fresh basil can make in your cooking.