Growing Basil Plants

If you have never grown your own basil, and only used the stuff from shops, try growing it at least once, you will be amazed at the difference in taste between 'fresh basil' and 'not so fresh'. Basil grows well in a humus rich moist soil, we suggest some shade in afternoon, seems to keep it a little 'sweeter', and tends to stop it from going to seed (bolting).

Basil grows in late spring and summer. To get a head start you can start growing seeds a little earlier in a cold frame or greenhouse. You can even grow basil in a greenhouse during cooler months.

Best known for its use in pesto, basil actually comes in a few varieties including cinnamon, fino verde, genovese giant, greek (yiotis) lemon, lime, mammoth, napolitano. opal and purple ruffles all have their special uses.

Growing Basil in the Kitchen Garden Pots and Containers

Basil Plants love a humus or compost rich moist soil, they does not like to dry out. Plant once the risk of frost or cold spells is over. The WET POT watering system is ideal for basil as it provides the roots with the moisture it requires.

Choose a sunny position in the garden however protection from the hot afternoon sun in hot periods is advisable, and remember it does not like to dry out. If you are growing basil plants in pots or conatiners make sure that you use a good quality potting mix and fertilize with a liquid seaweed fertilizer. Basil is best when continuously picked as this helps prevent flowering and will increase yield.

As a companian plant for tomatoes basil is excellent, the tomato plant will provide a little shade.

One of the most widely used culinary herbs the main two types or varieties found growing in most vegetable gardens being Ocimum basilicum known as Sweet Basil or Italian Basil and Ocimum obovatum or Greek Basil. The purple vatiety or Ocimum basilicum 'Purpureum' is readily available and Perennial Basil (Ocimum americanum) can also be found. From India we have 'Sacred Basil' or Ocimum tenuifolim. Other Basil herb species are also available. Basil Plants and Seeds are available for sale from Mail Order Nurseries

We use fino verde, genovese or napolitano for making pesto. (see recipe below). Pick regularly to prevent flowering.

Basil Pesto Recipe and Ingredients
3 - 6 cloves of garlic (we roast our garlic in oil first to give a sweet nutty flavor)
100g pine nuts (for variety try macadamia nuts)
50g of freshly grated parmesan cheese
100g basil leaves cleaned (with stems removed)
100ml Olive oil
Majoram leaves (tsp)
Freshly ground black pepper (tsp)

Pesto Making Procedure
Blend all of the dry ingredients in a food processor adding olive oil until you get a creamy mixture.

Cook pasta (fettuccine) in a large pot of boiling water until tender. Drain well

Add Pesto and 'hey presto' a magic meal.

We use fettuccine, and stir the pesto mixture through the fettucine (sometimes tagliatelle) until the strands are coated and then serve. Finely diced tomato makes a great addition a s does avocado and maybe some extra freshly ground black pepper.