Looking to grow basil in your vegetable garden? You may be tempted to get a basil plant from your local nursery and start growing from there, but there are many benefits to be had from growing basil from seed. From sweet basil to lemon basil, this herb is incredibly versatile, which is why its popularity comes as no surprise! In this article, we share more with you about growing sweet basil!

Understanding the Basic Facts About Basil

You probably already know that basil can be added to just about any dish imaginable, from sandwiches to pizza, pasta, and pesto. However, did you know that basil is an organic way of controlling pests in your garden?

It’s also an excellent choice for companion planting and you can choose from many different types of basil to grow, from the classic sweet basil to lemon basil and cinnamon basil. Many gardeners also choose to plant basil and tomatoes next to each other.

Basil is an annual herb that doesn’t take well to cold weather. This means that it should only be planted outdoors after the last frost date in your area has passed. For the best results, it is recommended to wait at least a week after the last frost date!

The Right Conditions for Growing Basil

The best conditions for growing basil seeds would be under direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks before they are ready for harvesting. They should also be grown in rich soil that is well-draining. Under the right conditions, a basil plant will continue providing you with leaves till the first fall frost!

Growing Basil from Seed

Basil is one of the first plants that beginning gardeners start out with because it’s that easy to grow. All you need to do is follow the below steps:

• 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area, you can start preparing your basil seeds for sowing indoors. Basil seeds should be sown ¼” deep into the soil.

• The trays should be kept warm and moist until your basil seeds have germinated, which is typically in 5 to 7 days. You can achieve this by wrapping your trays in plastic wrap or using a humidity dome.

• If you have planted 2 to 3 seeds per pot, you can thin to 1 seedling per cell after at least one set of true leaves has sprouted.

Get Your Sweet Basil Seeds from DIY Tools

Would basil make a good addition to your vegetable garden, or is it the very first herb you are thinking of growing? If so, come to DIY Tools and purchase this set of 43 heirloom vegetable garden seeds to get you started. Besides basil, you will also find seeds for a variety of vegetables and herbs including sweetcorn, garden beans, radish, and more! You are welcome to contact us with any questions you may have or if you would like a recommendation.