5 Tips to Grow Big, Bushy Basil Plants in Containers

I want to share five tips on how to grow big, bushy basil plants in containers. Basil is a popular herb that is easy to grow and adds delicious flavor to many dishes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, these tips will help you grow healthy, vibrant basil plants.

Tip #1: Starting Basil

You can start basil from seed or cutting. Sow the seeds in seed starting soil and let them grow up to 3-4 inches before transferring them directly into the ground or containers. Basil is easy to grow in containers, so if you live in an apartment or a tight space, you can still grow basil. To start basil from cutting, take a cutting of a basil stem, remove all the bottom leaves, and place the cutting in a bottle of water. In about two weeks, the roots will start to emerge, and you can plant the basil in a container of your choice.

Tip #2: The Soil or Growing Medium

Basil likes moist soil but doesn't like to be waterlogged or dry out. The best growing medium for basil is a combination of compost, raised bed soil, and coconut coir. Use 20% compost, 60% potting mix or raised bed soil, and 20% coconut coir for best results.

Tip #3: Watering

Watering is essential to growing healthy basil plants. You must know how often and how much to water. The best way to check moisture levels in your growing medium is with a moisture meter. You should always keep the soil moist, but not too much or too little water.

Tip #4: Sunlight

Basil plants love partial shade, so it's essential to choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. If you're growing basil in containers, place them in an area that gets shade in the afternoon. This will ensure that the leaves grow big, like the one in my wine barrel.

Tip #5: Pruning

Pruning is crucial to growing big, bushy basil plants. Prune your basil plant when it's about 6 inches tall and has at least two to three sets of leaves. Cut the stem back to the last set of leaves, leaving about a quarter of an inch of the stem above the last set of leaves. This will force the basil plant to keep branching out and growing bushier.

In conclusion, growing big, bushy basil plants in containers is easy with the right tips and techniques. Starting basil from seed or cutting, using the right growing medium, watering correctly, providing the right amount of sunlight, and pruning regularly will ensure that your basil plants thrive. I hope these tips help you grow healthy, vibrant basil plants that you can enjoy in your cooking. Happy gardening!