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Herbs can help life in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. Unknown to most, basil is really 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.

Old tales-

Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. The people of India swore their oaths in court on basil leaves. Italian lovers would wear a piece of basil in their hair when courting ladies. A popular Mexican belief is that carrying basil would return a cheating lover.

Medical uses-

Growing basil provides major health benefits. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. The herb is known by herbalists as a ‘cure-all’ for a wide array of ailments, from stomach trouble to headaches. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.

How to Grow Basil-

Growing basil can be childs-play. You can grow basil plants started from seed indoors before transplanting into the garden. It can even be full grown indoors if preferred. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is not enough lighting in your home.

The seeds should be sown about 1” from each other, in a warm time of year. After a few leaves have grown, the basil can then be re-planted. Make certain you wait until a late frost is no longer a threat.

Add a some mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Watering should take place one day per week, before noon. Never use too much fertilizer, as this can remove the unique odor from the herb.

Plant the herbs at least 16-20″ apart to grow a good- sized plant. For growing basil, it has essentially 2 requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.

Prune at least every 2 weeks to increase the health of the plant. Clip leaves back to about a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Deadhead any flower stems to keep the plant in production.

Try growing basil near tomato plants. These plants equally need sunlight and above average watering, so having them near each other will be more convenient for the time-pressed gardener. 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. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.