Do you enjoy growing herbs? Growing basil, in particular, requires special care. Not only does it need to stay healthy and grow faster but also because the leaves of this plant are easily damaged without proper attention!
Here are the most essential basil growing tips you might not know!
1. Pinch Basil’s Flowers
Harvesting the leaves of this plant before they produce flowers will cause it to redirect its energy into making more buds. Simply pinch off any that you see, and your green friend won’t be too sad about it!
2. Pinch Basil’s Tips
Harvesting herbs is a great way to add some flavor and vitality for your plants. Be sure not forget about pinching the tips of stems so they will branch out more, creating new sets on leaves!
3. Avoid Harvesting More than 30% of the Plant
Harvesting the entire plant will kill it. It’s more economical to take away 20-30% of its leaves at a time, so you can ensure your harvest.
If there are still plenty left for yourself after that, grow 3-4 plants together for even greater yield!
4. Always Use Scissors
It is always better to use scissors when trimming your plant, so you can avoid damaging the delicate stems. This also helps keep it safe for future growth and keeps potential problems at bay!
5. Avoid Harvesting the Lower Big Leaves
Harvesting the plant can be difficult, but it’s worth all your efforts. Leave big leaves at the bottom to help with absorption and nutrients; snipping these will only hurt growth. Always make sure you harvest topmost shoots first while leaving behind short ones.
6. Avoid Harvesting the Young Plants
It’s always a good idea to let your plant grow up 6-8 inches tall and at least 4-5 wide before you start harvesting.
If the bottom leaves get pulled off, it might not make any more babies for awhile so be sure they are healthy!
7. Avoid Harvesting Too Often
Harvesting basil too often can be harmful to the plant. It’s best if you only harvest in smaller quantities, at regular intervals of 2-4 weeks each time.
This will give your plants enough strength to recover before being harvested again!
8. Always Cut Stems to the Last Set of Leaves
Basil plants are so dang easy to grow, aren’t they?! Cut the stem of your basil plant just below where it branches out into new leaves. This will keep those babies bushy and leafy!
9. Avoid Harvesting it in Cold Weather
Planting your crop outdoors is a great way to ensure that it gets the care and attention it needs.
You should avoid harvesting in cold weather, as cutting down on plant growth can lead to damage from harsh winter conditions.