Growing Your Own Herbsheader image

By Kelsey Gisi

Horticulture 211

Home | Parsley | Basil | Sage | Oregano

 

Basil

Basil is a popular herb with a rich, spicy aroma. It’s actually a member of the mint family! Basil is used extensively in Italian and some Asian dishes. Did you know basil originates from India? There are many different varieties, so it’s up to you which one you like best!

How to Grow It

Basil is actually very easy to grow from seed. You can start it indoors in flats or outdoors in your garden as long as the last frost has occurred. Plant the seeds no deeper in the soil that twice the length of the seed. Basil enjoys a sunny place, and make sure to keep the soil moist at all time to ensure a healthy plant.

Basil germinates within 5 to 7 days, and once the seedlings have two leaves you may thin them out and plant them 12 inches apart. To encourage a full, bushy plant prune basil every 2 to 3 weeks and pinch off flower buds as soon as you notice them.

Harvest

To harvest basil, simply cut the plant back about ¼ inch above a node. Make sure to leave enough of the plant to ensure its continued growth! Use immediately, or dry or freeze the herb. Or, if you wish, put the leaves in vinegar, and then blend with oil, cheese, and pine nuts to make a pesto sauce. Pesto will keep in the freezer for 6 months.

A Delicious Basil Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 pounds large shrimp (20 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes, or more to taste
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté shrimp, turning over once, until just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil remaining in skillet and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add wine and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in basil and tomatoes and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Return the shrimp to pan and cook just until heated through.

basil