What Is a Good Natural Plant Food for Basil?
- pH Balancer. Basil can thrive in acid to slightly alkaline soil, but dislikes extremes. A soil test kit can determine...
- Compost. A soil test kit will also determine if you have adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in your...
- Liquid Fertilizer. Two applications of liquid fertilizer over the course of the...
Full Answer
What is a good natural plant food for Basil?
What Is a Good Natural Plant Food for Basil? When it comes to deciding how much plant food to give annual basil plants (Ocimum basilicum), treading the middle ground is your best bet. The herbs won't grow the lush, tender foliage they're famous for if they get too little nitrogen, but too much can rob those lush leaves of their flavor.
What is the best fertilizer for basil plants?
Like most plants, basil also benefit from a nutrient boost. Feed your basil plants with a good organic fertilizer every four to six weeks for indoor plants and every 2-3 weeks for outdoor. A well-balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate, will help to boost leaf production. 7.
How much plant food should I give my annual basil plant?
When it comes to deciding how much plant food to give annual basil plants (Ocimum basilicum), treading the middle ground is your best bet. The herbs won't grow the lush, tender foliage they're famous for if they get too little nitrogen, but too much can rob those lush leaves of their flavor.
How to take care of basil plants?
While watering, add water to the base of the plant, avoiding showering the leaves and stems. A slow, deep soaking method is best. Drip irrigation systems also work well. Mulching around plants also helps to retain and conserve water while keeping weeds at bay. 5. Let The Sun Shine In Basil plants like a good amount of sun.
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pH Balancer
Basil can thrive in acid to slightly alkaline soil, but dislikes extremes. A soil test kit can determine the current pH level of your garden bed. If the pH is higher than 7.5, use sulfur, a natural material, to lower it. In a 100-square-foot area, 1 pound of sulfur will decrease pH by 1 point.
Compost
A soil test kit will also determine if you have adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in your soil. Unless you have a severe deficiency in these or any trace minerals, compost is all you need to improve the texture and slightly boost fertility.
Liquid Fertilizer
Two applications of liquid fertilizer over the course of the growing season will be enough to sustain the herbs. Use liquid seaweed, diluted to package directions, usually 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water. Or, make a "tea" by soaking and straining compost.
Fertilizer Pitfalls
Avoid over-feeding basil plants. Overly rich soil can rob them of some of the volatile oils which lend them flavor.
Health Benefits
Basil is not only a popular folk remedy for ailments like nausea and bug bites but also widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic medicine systems ( 4, 6, 7 ).
Buying, Growing and Storing
Though fresh basil gives stronger flavor, dried basil is less expensive and more convenient. You can also buy basil frozen into recipe-portioned cubes in the freezer section of stores.
Culinary Uses
Basil gives zest to tomato dishes, salads, zucchini, eggplant, meat seasonings, stuffing, soups, sauces and more.
Safety and Side Effects
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted.
The Bottom Line
Basil comes in many varieties. While this herb may not contribute significant nutrients to your diet, it can spice up your meals.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the most classic pairing with basil. Perhaps one of the most well-known dishes with basil is the Caprese salad. In this salad, basil leaves are layered over tomato slices and mozzarella cheese and lightly drizzled with olive oil. By using vegan mozzarella, like this Moxarella Cheese, you can easily make a vegan Caprese salad.
2. Olive Oil
As in the Caprese salad described above, basil pairs well with olive oil. A good way to use basil is to infuse your favorite olive oil with it. To make basil oil, finely chop 1 ½ cups of fresh basil leaves. Add the basil and 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil to a small saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
3. Garlic
Along with olive oil, basil is often paired with garlic to make pesto. Pesto is a sauce made with basil, olive oil, garlic, some type of nuts such as pine nuts or walnuts and sometimes lemon and Parmesan cheese, all blended into a thick, green paste. There are many variations on the pesto recipe. My recipe involves walnuts and vegan Parmesan.
4. Balsamic Vinegar
Basil paired with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and garlic makes a savory, delicious vinaigrette that is perfect on salads, pasta and veggies. Combine ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 Tbs. minced garlic, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar and 2 Tbs. vegan parmesan in a blender or food processor and blend until you have a paste.
5. Fruit
Strawberries aren’t the only fruit that pairs well with basil. Basil also goes well with fruit like watermelon, lime, lemon, oranges, mango and other stone fruits. You can simply slice fruit, sprinkle a bit of sugar and grated ginger over them and garnish with torn basil leaves.
6. Mint
Since basil is part of the mint family, it makes sense that basil and mint go well together. You can add a combination of the two herbs in any recipe that uses mint such as this Raw Kiwi Tart with Ginger, Mint and Coconut. Mix basil and mint in pesto and vinaigrettes.
7. Lemon
Speaking of zucchini, you definitely want to make these Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Basil Cashew Cream. Basil and lemon pair well together and add a bright, refreshing taste to any dish. Spice up this Tofu “Shrimp” Scampi by adding ½ cup chopped fresh basil and 1 Tbs. of minced jalapeno peppers to the lemon-garlic sauce.
Tips For Growing Big, Bushy Basil
Here are some tips will help you finally grow the big, bushy basil plants you’ve always dreamed of!
1. Keep Them Warm
Basil plants don’t like the cold and are sensitive to dips in temperature (those of us in Maine who can’t get basil to do much of anything know what this means!). Avoid putting basil seedlings in the ground too soon to avoid exposure to frost.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage
Basil requires well-draining soil in order to flourish. Use a planter with plenty of drainage holes. If your favorite planter doesn’t have holes on the bottom, drill some if possible. Lining the bottom of the pot with a couple inches of gravel also allows for adequate drainage.
3. Keep Soil Moist
While basil likes well-drained soil, it should also be kept moist. Maintaining consistent moisture without water-logging them can be a fine line. Overwatering can cause the stems to mildew and rot, stunting your basil’s growth. Water your plants deeply once a week.
4. Water the Soil Not The Leaves
While watering, add water to the base of the plant, avoiding showering the leaves and stems. A slow, deep soaking method is best. Drip irrigation systems also work well. Mulching around plants also helps to retain and conserve water while keeping weeds at bay.
5. Let The Sun Shine In
Basil plants like a good amount of sun. Position your plants in a nice sunny spot where they can receive six to eight hours of sun per day, away from cold winds. If growing indoors, place containers on a sunny windowsill that lets in enough light.
6. Fertilize Properly
Like most plants, basil also benefit from a nutrient boost. Feed your basil plants with a good organic fertilizer every four to six weeks for indoor plants and every 2-3 weeks for outdoor. A well-balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate, will help to boost leaf production.
Pesto
Go the traditional route and whip up a mean pesto sauce. Use as a condiment or as a sauce for fish or pasta dishes.
Infused Oil
Infuse your favorite olive oil with basil. It only takes a few minutes!
Appetizers
Having a few guests over? Whip up simple finger foods using fresh basil leaves.
Vegetable Soups
Whip up a batch of a summer veggie soup--add ribbons of chopped basil for more seasonal flair.
Salads
Basil pairs nicely with a wide variety of seasonal veggies. Just chop and toss into your favorite salad.
Pizza
Toss whole basil leaves on your favorite pizza when it's hot out of the oven. Delicious!
Fish & Seafood Dishes
Tomato and basil are a match made in seafood heaven. Combine with shrimp or halibut for a delicious main dish.
When to Pick Basil
Harvesting of basil can begin as soon as the plant has at least six sets of leaves. Thereafter, harvest basil as often as needed. Pick basil in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak freshness.
How to Harvest Basil
To harvest a small amount of basil, just remove a few leaves for use. Cut back whole stem for use in larger harvests. Cutting back entire stems will result in a bushier plant that produces more leaves too.
Blueberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Pie
For a good friend moving to L.A., I made a blueberry goat cheese pie. Bake one, share it and start a precious memory. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin Go to Recipe
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Hazel is a writer and editor who has worked in the publishing industry for over 25 years in the fields of travel, jewelry arts and food. As the editor of the Taste of Home Christmas Annual (among other titles), she's in the holiday spirit all year round. An enthusiastic baker, she's known for her cookies, cakes and other baked goods.
