Soil for Basil.

[Michael Birch]

Okay, so I'm trying to grow Sweet Basil for my first time. I made my own soil mix of 1 part top soil, 1 part sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite. Will this mixture work okay or should I be using something else that is better?

 

[Fueling Around]

A bit late for your climate.
Soil mix will work in a large container that you can keep properly watered.
You can go wet and dry as i recall?

 

[chef jimmyj]

Mine is doing great in a South facing window, planted in Walmart Potting Soil. So far the Basil seems pretty forgiving...JJ

 

[pineywoods]

It will grow fine in that mix as Jimmy stated it's pretty forgiving and will grow in most soils

 

[Michael Birch]

Thanks guys, any recommendations for fertilizer?

 

[chef jimmyj]

I have good results with Jobe Organic. A scoop per gallon water. Stinks to High Heaven, but seem to give good results. In potted plants we wet down with Jobe's every 2 weeks...JJ

 

[Fueling Around]

Anything with high Nitrogen (the first number in X-Y-Z) Miracle-Gro is 24-8-16

 

[johnmeyer]

How long does your basil in an indoor pot? We buy ours, already mostly-grown, at the grocery store. We cut off the top leaves when we need some, and it re-leafs pretty quickly. However, the leaves, after about 6-8 weeks, start getting really small. Is the plant just finished, or can I do something to extend how long I can use each plant?

 

[chef jimmyj]

How long does your basil in an indoor pot? We buy ours, already mostly-grown, at the grocery store. We cut off the top leaves when we need some, and it re-leafs pretty quickly. However, the leaves, after about 6-8 weeks, start getting really small. Is the plant just finished, or can I do something to extend how long I can use each plant?

Periodically move to a larger pot. It will grow fuller. Tops can be cut, just below the nodes, and put up in water to root. Once you got some root growth, place in soil and grow clones. Don't be afraid to cut further down than just the tops. More cutting = more growing...JJ

 

[johnmeyer]

Periodically move to a larger pot. It will grow fuller. Tops can be cut, just below the nodes, and put up in water to root.

Thanks! So basically, re-pot when it begins to decline.

Once you got some root growth, place in soil and grow clones.

I didn't know I could propagate basil. I'll have to try that.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Surely you have heard the saying, " Give it Room to Grow! " To keep growing big strong stems and and big leaves, you need a big root system. Once the roots fill a small pot, they can't find enough food to sustain big growth. Given more real-estate, virtually Any plant can keep growing bigger...

Good info...JJ

 

[bradger]

A bit late for your climate.

not necessarily, been growing this in here since January.

going to experiment with other herbs soon.

 

[Fueling Around]

... going to experiment with other herbs soon.

With artificial lighting and controlled climate, you create the season for annual herbs.

My original reply was for a Florida resident assuming outdoor planting which is much earlier than June.