Growing Basil

Dear Stan;

I would like to grow basil indoors to have a fresh source over the winter. Buying at the grocery store @ $2/bunch (questionable quality too) is a drag. My gardening ability is limited. (Husband's quote: there are quicker ways to kill plants than by giving them to Pat. (sbt:sad but true) So, I bought some lemon basil seed, put them on a moist paper towel, covered them with plastic wrap and they sprouted!! Now, I've put them into a soil-less mix, covered them with plastic wrap again, and put them on the window sill.

Now what? Is soil-less OK? or do you need the magic of real dirt for seeds? Hints? Pointers?

Pat (Edmonton)

Pat - Of all the herb seeds available, you have chosen the most difficult to bring into useable size when growing out of season. If you do ok with basil(s) you can grow anything. There is no magic to dirt, just the magic of temperatures, light and stamina. Historically, basil brings with it the pathogens of disease in the seed. The requirements for growth is bright indirect light, either natural or artificial: natural sun light this time of year and beyond, is important for more tasteful leaves. Transplant the seedlings to your soilless mix and scatter a few more seeds in with the plants. The seed is small so don't cover them with any mix. After the 3rd or 4th leaf, fertilize with a root booster fertilizer like 10-52-17 but at half strength of fertilizer with the suggested full amount of water. Higher humidity than house humidity is OK but watch for mildew forming on the leaves.

Pinch out the center of the single stem when the plant is 4 to 6 inches, causing more new side growth from the stem. There are more varieties of basil you should try; all treated the same to grow but differing tastes and use.

Good luck!