How to grow basil in a pot on the balcony

A plant that loves sun and moist soil. The first leaves can be picked after a month. Basil's benefits include its use against colds and nausea.

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How to grow basil in a pot

Impossible to stay at home without basilOn the contrary, it's possible not to waste it and manage to grow it all year round. Of course: in spring and summer it's easier, but even in autumn and winter, with a few simple tricks, we can have our basil plants on hand. Without being fleeced by the greengrocer. It loves the sun, fears the cold. cultivation of the basil It's not particularly demanding, but you need to keep its climate and environmental preferences in mind, like a compass. Below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant is likely to die, while with moist soil, rich in organic matter, and well exposed to the sun, it will grow healthy and fragrant. Basil is a true delight for our kitchen, thanks to the endless ways we can use it. From tomato salad to pesto, passing through hundreds of dishes on the menu. But basil, which should never be missing from our kitchens, also has other characteristics and gives us various benefits.Hence the need to grow it indoors, on the balcony, or on the terrace. In short, to always have it on hand. With its delightful aroma, its scent that also repels mosquitoes. Growing basil isn't difficult. Just start with one thing: it's a plant that needs full soil and full sun. And it also grows well in a container, of any kind.

Sowing, watering and harvesting

Basil is an annual plant that dries up during the winter and can be grown not only in the garden but also in a pot on a balcony or terrace. All you need to do is follow a few simple tips.

  • Let's start with the seedAfter obtaining some medium-sized terracotta pots, fill them with universal soil.
  • Distribute the basil seeds evenly over the soil and then cover them with soil, creating a layer of soil a few centimeters deep.
  • The best time for sowing is from February-March to late May-early June.
  • Place the pots in one corner of the balcony quite sunny and bright but not excessively: be careful that the seedlings are not directly hit by the sun's rays or the leaves will burn.
  • Water the seedlings often especially during the sowing phase when they require a lot of humidity and remember that the best time to water basil seedlings is in the morning.
  • Basil for to sprout It will take just over a week.
  • La harvesting Instead, it can be done about a month after sowing and it is advisable to do it starting from the largest and oldest leaves.
  • After this time, you will notice that flowers will begin to appear: prune them in such a way as to allow the plant to grow thick and robust again.

How to grow basil in autumn

In general, aromatic plants need light and sun, and fear the cold. This is the case with basil. But we can continue to grow it even in autumn if we place it in a sheltered position, first of all from the cold and from atmospheric precipitations, to a temperature not lower than 19-20 degrees, and if we guarantee light and waterThe best solution is to plant basil plants indoors, near a bright window. Plant-stimulating lamps are also available, with very low energy consumption. As for watering, there's a foolproof method for determining when your basil plant needs watering. Touch the soil; if it's moist, you can wait; if it's dry, you need to water the plant before it's too late.

How to grow basil in winter

Where temperatures are milder, it's easy to grow basil even in winter. In Greece, for example, it's a perennial aromatic plant, readily available year-round. In Italy, the climatic differences between the northern and southern regions are notable. In any case, you need to take the pot with the basil plant and bring her inside the house or in one small heated greenhouse. It's also best to avoid overwatering it to prevent the soil from soaking and the roots from dying. Finally, there's an alternative to the basil species you choose: Arctic or mountain basil can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius.

How to freeze basil

To have basil all year round, in addition to growing it, you can choose the solution of freezingIt's not difficult. Here's the procedure:

  • Remove the leaves from the stems, wash them well and then place them in a colander for a few minutes.
  • Place the leaves first in a clean tea towel and then, when they are completely dry, place them on a tray lined with aluminum or greaseproof paper.
  • Place the tray in the freezer for a day. Then remove the frozen basil leaves and place them in a plastic bag to store permanently in the freezer.
  • Always do these operations in the morning, when the basil plant is coolest.

Properties and benefits

When used fresh, basil becomes a perfect natural remedy for treating many ailments, especially those of the digestive system. It is excellent for colic and for calming nausea, especially when caused by overeating. The essential oil contained in the leaves can also calm intestinal spasms. The leaves and essential oil also have a healing effect on respiratory conditions such as cold, asthma, coughs, and bronchitis. Basil also contains fiber, water, proteins, sugars, minerals, and vitamins, and is also excellent for poor appetite. Not to mention that in ancient times, it was even considered an excellent natural remedy for preserving beauty and maintaining optimal brain function.

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