6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Basil

Love basil but struggling with your plants?

You’re not alone!

Many make simple mistakes when planting basil. Discover the 6 most common ones and how to avoid them.

Get ready for lush, healthy basil plants.

Let’s get started!

Not Giving Basil Enough Sunlight

Not Giving Basil Enough Sunlight

Basil loves the sun! It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.

If you plant it in a shady spot, your basil might grow tall and leggy, but not very flavorful. Look for a sunny windowsill or a part of your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.

If you can’t find a sunny spot, consider growing your basil indoors with a grow light.

Overwatering Your Basil

Basil likes its soil just right—not too wet, but not too dry. If you overwater, the roots can rot.

Make sure the soil feels a bit dry before watering again. A good rule of thumb: water deeply but less often.

Always check that your pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging your plant.

Planting Too Close Together

Planting Too Close Together

Basil plants need space to breathe and grow. Planting them too close together can lead to mold and other diseases.

A good spacing rule is about 12 to 18 inches apart. This way, each plant gets enough air circulation and room to spread its leaves.

Trust me, your basil will thank you!

Ignoring Pests and Diseases

Basil is usually pest-resistant, but sometimes pesky bugs like aphids or diseases like downy mildew can attack. Keep an eye on your plants.

If you see any bad guys or spots on your basil leaves, act quickly. You can often handle minor issues with natural solutions, like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Harvesting Incorrectly

Harvesting Incorrectly

When it’s time to harvest, don’t just pull off the leaves. Snip from the top of the plant, right above a pair of leaves.

This encourages bushier growth and keeps your basil healthy. Regular harvesting also prevents the plant from going to seed too soon, which can make the leaves bitter.

Ignoring Soil Quality

Basil loves nutrient-rich soil. If your soil is poor, your basil won’t thrive.

Add some compost or a balanced fertilizer to give your soil a boost. If you’re growing basil in pots, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix.

Healthy soil means healthy basil, and that means more delicious leaves for you!

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