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Tuesday, 28 October 2008
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 The flavour of fresh Basil is hard to match. It is quick and easy to grow, so easy in fact; you do not even need a garden as it grows happily in a pot or container. However, what it does need is plenty of heat. Basil will not grow in cold temperatures!
Varieties:
A number of types of basil are available. They vary from common basil through to Thai and spicy varieties through to bush and lemon flavored basils. Even though the flavour varies from type to type how you grow, each Basil does not.
When, where and how to plant:
Basil needs a warm, sunny spot to thrive. Window boxes or pots are perfect if you do not have a garden. The trick to growing basil inside is to not to let it get too wet or too dry.
Basil hates wet feet! Plant out in spring once the threat of frosts or cold temperatures has passed. Growing Guide:
Grow Basil by either sowing seeds or buying plants from your garden centre. If you are sowing seeds, sow in rows using seed raising mix in a seed tray. Basil is best transplanted into the garden once it is established. Slugs and snails tend eat it as it germinates when grown in the garden. Once plants are established, remove the tips to encourage a bushy plant – once Basil flowers it dies so try and avoid letting it flower. Harvest:
Pick leaves and use as required. Regular picking or trimming will encourage fresh new sweet leaves. The older leaves get bitter as they age. How to use:
Use Basil in salad dressings, pestos, in salads and in marinades. Fresh basil freezes well, either in ice cubes or in bags. The flavour is the same from the freezer but the colour will darken.
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