can I grow basil outdoors where mint is growing??

15 years ago

Hi all, I wish there was a way to rate my inability to grow anything. I'd be a 0 or a 1 :)

We've tried tomatoes, but that's it. It didn't go so well. I have little children and I want them to see how to grow things that can be eaten.

WHen we moved into our house, there was a whole bunch of mint in the backyard.....it's north facing w/ some sunlight...nothing great.

I would love to grow basil, bc we all love to cook w/ it.

I think buying plants is the best way to go. I probably have enough room for 3-4 plants. Is that enough to get a significant amount to make pesto??

From reading, I've learned to pinch off the flowers. Can I cut the leaves off as the summer goes, or do I have to wait until the end of the summer?

thanks so much. I've really almost given up on growing anything since it is most difficult for me!! Maybe this year will be different....

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Comments (3)

cyrus_gardner
15 years ago
Unlike mint, Basil grows best in full sun.
Why dont you find a sunny spot for it?

Probably getting plant would be more suitable for you.
Plant them about a foot apart and try planting basil seeds
between them. This way your childeren will see how a plant grows from seed.

With your basil, let it grow about10 inches then cut from top of each branch roughly 3-4 inches, just about a quarter of inch above where two leaves are accross each other.
In a few days two branche will grow above each of those leaves. Again, let those branches grow about 10 inches and repeat the process. Given you have a good growing condition, your basil will have many branches.
You dont just pick the leave off of basil.

If the seeds that you planted germinate, you have to thin them. lets say only have one or two of them between your
previously planted basils. The seed package should give you some guideline.

But try to find a sunny spot.
Probably cilantro grow better where you have described.

I see you are in zone 5. Probably you will have to wait til the end of May?? or after mothers day??to plant basil.
You have to know when in your area the danger of frost is over. Basil will not grow if it is cold and a light freez can kill it.
But you can plant cilantro , both plant and seeds in your garden, RIGHT NOW, TOMORROW.
leira
15 years ago
As cyrus_gardener said, basil needs lots of sun.

In my experience, 3-4 plants will make plenty of pesto if they're properly cared for and get nice and bushy. I had some bad luck with basil in containers until I switched to self-watering ones, so I'm guessing that in my case, not enough water was the culprit.
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catman529
15 years ago
Basil is easy to grow. It doesn't tolerate frost (it will die if it frosts) and like what the people above have said, does best in full sun.

If you want to try tomatoes again, I hope my web site can be of assistance.

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can I grow basil outdoors where mint is growing??

Comments (3)

cyrus_gardner

leira

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