Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil is my absolute favorite thing in the garden. It smells wonderful, and grows prolifically in the hot, dry climate of Central California. I love to use fresh basil in hummus, pesto, and soups.
Check out this recipe for hummus made with basil and artichoke.
Growing Basil from Seed
It is easy to grow basil from seed. It germinates within a week, but takes a few months to get big enough to start harvesting. For this reason, it may be best to start seedlings indoor and then transplant to the garden once it’s warm enough.
Transplanting Basil
Basil does well transplanted. Often, store bought potted basil will have several plants packed in tightly together. When planting, it is necessary to separate them, giving each plant its own space.
It can also be grown in containers. My sister keeps potted basil in the kitchen window at her NYC apartment.
Companion Plants
Basil does well planted beside tomato plants. The two share a growing season, both harvestable in the summer months and both dying with the first frost. They are said to be companion plants because the aroma of basil deters pests and enhances tomato flavor. Basil also grows happily beside peppers and other herbs.
Harvesting Basil
Sweet Basil can be harvested for over half the year in the central valley. I tend to think of it as less like harvesting, and more like pruning. Except that, whatever gets cut off goes into the kitchen for culinary purposes.
Begin the process by looking for new sets of leaves growing next to mature leaves. Snip the main stem right above these new leaves. The new leaves will grow into new stems, making the plant taller and bushier. Prune as often as you’d like, and before the plant sets too many flowers. If you have an abundance of basil, let a few plants flower to attract honey bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Note: If you don’t plan to use to basil right away, cut long stems and place them in a glass of water on the counter. Basil does not refrigerate well.
Washing Basil
Basil should be rinsed well before using. Plunge the harvested leaves and stems into a bath of cool water in the sink. Swirl them around and rinse again when removing from the water. Lay the basil to dry on a paper towel or dish cloth.
Removing Leaves from Stems
Unlike oregano, which you can remove by running your fingers down the stem, its best to use a knife to remove the leaves of basil.
Notes on Sweet Basil
Caring for an herb garden is a great way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Basil grows happily in hot dry climates without much water. In the vegetable garden, basil can improve the health of tomato plants. It is an easy herb to care for and harvest. The leaves are best used fresh. Sweet basil’s aroma and flavor is good for the soul.
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