Hello Pesto! Basil Seedlings Galore

Growing herbs from seed always amazes me. What begins as a tiny seedling with a stem no thicker than a hair suddenly transforms into hearty seedlings ready for planting. At least, that's what my basil has done. 


We have a long wait yet before we can plant anything outside. I know this because there are still several feet of snow covering my garden spot and raised beds. Checking my seedlings this morning gave me a burst of optimism and reminded me that spring will come when it is time.


If you love basil and are tired of paying hard-earned cash for seedlings in the nursery each spring, you still have time to plant your basil seeds inside.

                                              How to Start Basil from Seed Inside

1. Fill a flat or plant cells with moist seed starter.
2. Sprinkle the basil seeds over the top. Plant two or three to each cell for good measure - you can always use the extras in cooking if you need to thin them later.
3. Press the seeds into the soil with your fingers.
4. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and set it in a warm area. I set mine on top of the water heater to take advantage of the bottom heat.
5. Remove the plastic when the seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days.
6. Place your seedlings on a sunny windowsill or under plant lights.
7. Thin to one seedling per cell or pot when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Cut them at the base with scissors, instead of pulling them from the soil, to avoid injury to the roots of the remaining seedling.
8. Use cuttings in your favorite recipes.
9. Pinch out the center leaves of your basil seedlings when they are 3 to 4 inches tall to force new growth along the stem and between the leaves. This creates a compact plant with dense foliage.

                                                                              Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!