Picture this: you’re making a delicious pesto, but you're out of fresh basil! A quick trip to the grocery store solves the problem, but what if you could extend the life of that store-bought basil and create an endless supply? The good news is, with a little know-how, you absolutely can! Growing Basil From Store-Bought: A Complete Guide So, can you really grow basil from store bought bunches? Absolutely! It's a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy fresh basil whenever you need it. However, the success of growing basil from store bought depends on a few key factors. This article will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right basil to harvesting your homegrown leaves. We'll cover everything you need to know to successfully propagate basil from your grocery store haul. Selecting the Right Store-Bought Basil for Propagation Not all store-bought basil is created equal when it comes to propagation. To increase your ...
Basil, with its sweet and slightly peppery flavor, is a culinary staple in kitchens worldwide. But did you know that growing basil alongside certain companion herbs can actually enhance its flavor and vigor, while also creating a beautiful and thriving herb garden? Let's explore the fascinating world of companion planting and discover the best herbs to grow with basil!
Companion Planting: Why Grow Herbs with Basil?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. This can include improved growth, pest control, enhanced flavor, and efficient use of garden space. When it comes to basil, certain herbs offer unique advantages, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both plants. Growingcompanion herbs with basil isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a healthier, more productive garden ecosystem.
Here are some of the key benefits of companion planting with basil:
Pest Repellency: Certain herbs, like marigolds and garlic, naturally repel common basil pests like aphids and whiteflies. Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some herbs attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests that can harm basil. Improved Growth: Companion plants can improve soil conditions and provide shade or support to basil plants, promoting healthier growth. Enhanced Flavor: Some gardeners believe that growing certain herbs near basil can actually enhance its flavor. Space Optimization:Companion planting allows you to make the most of your garden space by interplanting different herbs together.
Best Herbs to Grow Alongside Basil
Tomatoes and Basil: A Classic Combination
Perhaps the most well-known companion planting pairing is tomatoes and basil. This isn't just a culinary match made in heaven; it's also a beneficial relationship in the garden. Basil is believed to repel tomato hornworms and whiteflies, common pests that can devastate tomato plants. In turn, the shade provided by tomato plants can help protect basil from intense sunlight, especially in hot climates. Theherbs best paired with basil always include tomatoes for its symbiotic relationship and flavors.
Consider these benefits:
- Pest Control: Basil deters tomato hornworms and whiteflies.
- Improved Growth: Tomato plants provide shade for basil.
- Enhanced Flavor: Some believe that growing basil near tomatoes enhances the flavor of both.
Marigolds: A Colorful Pest Deterrent
Marigolds are not only beautiful additions to the garden but also excellent pest repellents. Their strong scent deters a wide range of pests, including nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies, all of which can harm basil plants. Planting marigolds around your basil patch can create a protective barrier against these unwanted visitors. They are definitely greatcompanion herbs for basil.
There are two main types of marigolds commonly used in companion planting:
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula): These are smaller and bushier, with a stronger scent that is particularly effective at repelling pests. African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta): These are taller and have larger blooms, but their scent is not as strong as French marigolds.
For best results, plant French marigolds around the perimeter of your basil patch, spacing them about 6-12 inches apart.
Garlic and Onions: Strong-Scented Protectors
Garlic and onions, with their pungent aroma, are another effective way to deter pests from your basil plants. They are particularly useful for repelling aphids, slugs, and cabbage moths, all of which can damage basil. The strong scent of these alliums masks the scent of basil, making it less attractive to pests. Also, the sulfur compounds released by garlic and onions can have a repelling effect on insects.
Here's how to incorporate garlic and onions into your basil garden:
Interplant: Plant garlic and onions directly among your basil plants, spacing them a few inches apart. Border Planting: Create a border of garlic and onions around your basil patch to provide a wider area of pest protection. Garlic Spray:You can also make a garlic spray by soaking crushed garlic cloves in water for a few days and then spraying the solution on your basil plants to repel pests.
Chamomile: A Gentle Companion
Chamomile, with its delicate flowers and calming properties, is a gentle yet effective companion plant for basil. Chamomile is believed to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which prey on aphids and other pests that can harm basil. It is also believed to improve the flavor and growth of basil. Chamomile is a great way to attract pollinators andcompanion plants to help basil grow healthy.
There are two main types of chamomile:
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): This is an annual that grows to about 1-2 feet tall and has a stronger scent than Roman chamomile. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): This is a perennial that grows lower to the ground and has a more subtle scent.
For companion planting, German chamomile is generally preferred due to its stronger scent and ability to attract beneficial insects.
Oregano: A Ground Cover Herb
Oregano is an excellent ground cover that helps to protect basil from soil borne diseases and insects, while keeping the soil cool and moist. This is particularly helpful in hot, dry climates. Oregano attracts beneficial insects that help to protect the basil from pests. It is also thought that it enhances the flavour of the basil.
Other Great Companion Herbs for Basil
Beyond the herbs already discussed, there are several other herbs that can be excellent companions for basil:
- Rosemary: Repels cabbage moths and bean beetles.
- Sage: Repels cabbage moths and flea beetles.
- Thyme: Repels cabbage moths and tomato hornworms.
- Mint: Repels aphids and cabbage moths (but be careful, mint can be invasive, so plant it in a container).
Things to Consider when Growing Herbs with Basil
While companion planting can offer numerous benefits, it's important to consider a few factors to ensure success:
Sunlight: Ensure that all companion plants have similar sunlight requirements. Basil typically needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Watering: Provide adequate watering for all companion plants, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Soil Conditions: Choose companion plants that prefer similar soil conditions. Basil thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Spacing: Provide adequate spacing between companion plants to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to disease and pest problems. Maintenance:Regularly monitor your companion plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action as needed.
A Note on Basil Varieties
There are many different varieties of basil, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The most common type of basil, with a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'): A classic Italian basil, known for its strong aroma and flavor. Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora): A basil with a licorice-like flavor that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Lemon Basil (Ocimum × citriodorum): A basil with a lemony flavor that is great for salads and teas. Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens):A basil with a beautiful purple color and a slightly spicy flavor.
When choosing companion plants for basil, consider the specific variety of basil you are growing. Some varieties may be more susceptible to certain pests or diseases than others.
Enhance Your Garden with the Right Watering System
To ensure your basil and its companion herbs thrive, proper watering is essential. A reliable and versatile watering system can make all the difference. Consider using agarden hose, like the Garden Hose 75 FT with 10-Function Nozzle, Leak-proof Metal Connector Water Hose, No Knots, Kink-Free, Lighter, Anti-Pets, Wear-Resistant, 3/4 GHT, Metal Hose for Garden, Yard, Outdoor. This durable and flexiblewatering hose features a 10-function nozzle, leak-proof metal connectors, and a lightweight, kink-free design, making it ideal for watering your entire garden with ease. It is available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3Yv E0Bo
Conclusion
Growing herbs with basil is a rewarding experience that can enhance the flavor of your basil, protect it from pests, and create a beautiful and thriving herb garden. By understanding the principles of companion planting and choosing the right companion herbs, you can create a symbiotic relationship that benefits all of your plants. So, get out there and start experimenting with different companion planting combinations to see what works best for your garden! There are manyherbs to grow along with basil to help create a healthy and beautiful garden for you.