Basil FAIL

[gina_r_snape]

I bought a potted basil plant last week. It's sitting in my kitchen, where it gets plenty of light. I keep the soil moist

Comments

[cmcmck]

My guess would be over watering too. Is it potted in that horrible potting fibre? If so replant it in some ordinary soil from a yard or garden nearby and it may pick up. This is true of all house herbs. A bigger pot than it comes in is also a good idea- a cheap plastic pot would do fine, but put a few small stones into the base so watering doesn't saturate it.

Thankfully, I have a small garden for my cooking herbs :o)

[gina_r_snape]

It's potted in soil, in one of those cheap plastic pots. Maybe I'll get a new one and start over, and put stones on the bottom. Thanks.

[rm]

Basil is really persnickety. If you just got it and it's in a small pot, you may need to put it in a bigger post. If the roots are too cramped, it won't absorb all that water you are giving it.

[gina_r_snape]

Oh good. It's not just me, then.

I bought it in Whole Foods. Have you seen them? The pot isn't very small. But repotting is always a good idea. Maybe I'll just start over with a new one. Thanks.

[gmonkey42]

Yeah, they usually sell plants in pots that are too small - like you need to repot in in a bigger container not long after you buy it. The roots take up about as much volume as the above-ground part. They can be all tangled up but they shouldn't be crowded.

[gina_r_snape]

*nods*

I'm definitely going to try again with these suggestions. I feel like I have a mission now!

[_lady_vanilla_]

I've never had basil plant last more than a few weeks, but I think you need to pick the leaves a hell of a lot (I freeze mine) and don't water it nearly as much as you think you need to.

[gina_r_snape]

I picked some leaves this morning, as I'm afraid if I don't eat them soon I will have wasted all my efforts for nowt!

Maybe I'll try watering this one less and see how long it takes before it's a completely lost cause.

[_lady_vanilla_]

Save as many as you can! Mmmm... I do love basil in my cooking.

[cmcmck]

That pizza recipe I gave you using raw rocket is equally good with fresh basil, btw :o)

[b_vainamoinen]

Basil likes fairly dry, sandy soil and LOTS of sunlight (16 hours or so is preferable). Even in a south-facing window, it might not be getting enough direct sunlight.

[gina_r_snape]

Hmmm. Maybe it's not getting enough sunlight. Perhaps I'll try putting it on my fire escape.

[gina_r_snape]

Aw, that's such a sweet way of putting it. Thanks.

[gina_r_snape]

Aw, my little basil plant can draw on the strength of St. Basil.

I put it out on the fire escape yesterday, but the weather was overcast. Then we had a sudden rainstorm last night. It was not looking too happy this morning. But it's sunnier today, so we'll see what happens.

Thanks. :)