How To Keep Basil Alive – Keeping Basil Alive Indoors – Keeping A Basil Plant – How To Store Basil
Welcome to this post about how you can keep your basil alive outside. It can sometimes be tricky knowing why your basil is not doing as well as you might have hoped. That can be because of a number of things, topics that we will cover in this post here. I want to say that basil is a herb that really likes being outside and growing so it can be a good idea to learn about the stuff that makes it the happiest in this environment.
If you want to learn more about basil, especially if you want to learn about pruning, trimming and cutting, and also whether or not your basil will come back, then read our guide here, Does Basil Grow Back.
How To Keep Basil Alive
To keep basil alive, it’s important to provide it with the right growing conditions. Basil thrives in well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It also needs plenty of sunlight, so make sure to place it in a sunny spot. If you’re growing basil indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. If you’re growing it outdoors, make sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Basil is also a heavy feeder, so make sure to fertilize it regularly with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or aged manure to the soil to provide additional nutrients. Be careful not to over-fertilize, however, as this can damage the plant.
To keep basil from becoming too leggy, pinch off the tops of the stems regularly. This will encourage the plant to branch out and become bushier. You can also harvest the leaves regularly to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Finally, be on the lookout for pests and diseases that can affect basil. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, while common diseases include fusarium wilt and downy mildew. If you notice any signs of pests or disease, treat the plant immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
How To Keep Basil Alive Indoors
You can definitely keep growing the basil bought at the grocery store. Just make sure that you plant it in soil where it’s well draining and plenty of sunlight will reach the basil. Following those steps will make you able to grow it like any other basil plant really.
Some other important stuff that can affect the health of the plant is the sun that gets on it. Since we are growing outside and want the plant to be alive for the whole season and produce a lot of harvests then we need a lot of sunshine. I place my basil plant in a position where I know it can get between 8 – 10 hours of direct sunlight during the day. Sunlight is one of the most vital aspects for growing anything, without it, it really can’t be done properly or sustainably.
So to reiterate the question again about keeping you basil alive outside. Make sure that your soil is alive and healthy. Keep an eye on the watering of the plant and how often you do it. Not too much, not too little. Finally, place your basil somewhere it can get a lot of direct sunlight during the day.
Did you accidentally pick all the leaves off your basil? We have written an article that answers if it will grow back after this, find it here, Will Basil Grow Back With No Leaves.
How To Keep A Basil Plant Alive
To keep a basil plant alive, it is important to provide it with the proper growing conditions. This includes:
- Light: Basil plants require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, so place them in a sunny spot near a window or under grow lights.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil with good aeration and nutrients. Avoid using heavy garden soil or soil that is too compacted.
- Fertilizer: Basil plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning: Regularly prune the basil plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from getting too leggy. Pinch off the top leaves of each stem to encourage lateral growth.
By following these tips, you can keep your basil plant healthy and thriving.
How To Store Basil
Basil is a delicate herb that needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. To store basil, you can follow a few simple steps. First, make sure the basil is completely dry. You can pat it dry with a paper towel if needed. Then, wrap the basil in a damp paper towel or place it in a small vase with water, similar to a bouquet of flowers. If you choose to wrap it in a paper towel, place it in a plastic bag or container and store it in the refrigerator. Be sure to change the damp paper towel every couple of days to keep the basil fresh. If you opt to place the basil in water, cover the basil leaves with a plastic bag or a piece of plastic wrap to retain moisture. Keep the basil out of direct sunlight and away from any heat sources.
If you have excess basil and don’t plan on using it within a week, you can freeze it to preserve it. To do this, wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly, chop them, and place them in an ice cube tray with a small amount of water or olive oil. Freeze the tray until the cubes are solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. These basil cubes can be used for cooking sauces, soups, or stews throughout the year.
