How to Grow Basil Seeds

Growing herbs in your backyard is an economical way replenish your spice rack. Basil is one herb that can be grown from seeds, and is often used in sauces or salad dressing. Basil plants yield results quickly. After being picked, you can preserve the leaves by chopping them up with a little bit of olive oil for freezing, or dry them in the sun.

Seeds
Fertilizer
Peat
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Wait to plant basil until the last risk of frost has passed. Select a place to plant that will afford full sun light and well-drained soil. A sandy soil with a pH of around 6.4 will promote the most growth.
- 2
  Sow eight to 10 seeds per inch in your soil bed. Cover the seeds with soil, as well as a layer about 1/8 inch thick of soil mixed with vermiculite or peat, which will keep the soil moist.
- 3
  Water basil seeds overhead. Basil cannot handle water stress, so take extra care not to over-water the seeds.
- 4
  Fertilize basil seeds with a fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous oxide. As a general rule, apply 1 lb. should per 435 square feet.
- 5
  Use shallow cultivation or mulch to combat weed problems. Pesticides are not recommended for basil plants.

Solution to Bugs Eating a Basil Plant

How to Kill Ants With Basil

Growing Basil