Planter Boxes: Growing Basil in Containers

Why Grow Basil in Planters?

Growing basil in containers has plenty of perks. You can control soil quality and water more quickly. Plus, you have the flexibility to place your plants wherever you want. You can move your basil to catch the best sunlight and even bring it indoors if needed during colder months.

Other benefits of growing basil in pots include the following:

• Space-Saving: You don't need much space. Even a windowsill will do the trick by providing plants with adequate sunlight.
• Protection: Gardening containers make it easier to keep pests at bay. This is especially true if you choose to grow basil indoors. Containers also let you move plants into the shade during hot afternoons or cold snaps.
• Control: Basil thrives in warm, sunny areas with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. You can move your plants with planter boxes to ensure they get enough sun or afternoon shade.

Growing basil in containers is a simple way to enjoy the flavor and aroma of fresh basil right at home.

Selecting the Best Gardening Container for Basil

Choosing the correct gardening container is essential to successfully growing basil. Basil has a relatively shallow root system, so a 6-12 inches deep pot is usually perfect.

Here are some tips to ensure your container provides the best environment for basil to thrive:

• Drainage is Key: Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent water from building up, which can lead to root rot. Proper drainage keeps the roots healthy and reduces the risk of disease.
• Size and Shape: A container at least 6-12 inches deep and 8-12 inches wide will give basil roots plenty of room. Wider containers can also accommodate multiple basil varieties, creating a mini herb garden.
• Material Matters: Containers made of materials like ceramic, plastic, or terracotta are all good choices. EarthBox planter boxes are incredibly convenient. They include a self-watering feature, making it easy to care for your basil.

How to Plant Basil in a Pot

You can start with seeds or young plants. Container growing basil from seeds is simple, and you get the opportunity to watch your plants grow from scratch. If you're the type who prefers faster results, however, you can start with smaller potted plants.

The process is simple either way, but we'll address growing basil from seeds. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

Basil prefers a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. Look for a soil mix designed for herbs or vegetables containing the proper nutrients for healthy growth. Moisten the soil before filling the container to create a suitable environment for the seeds.

Step 2: Planting the Basil Seeds

Sprinkle basil seeds over the moist soil, aiming to space them about 1/4 inch apart. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. To avoid washing the seeds away, keep the soil moist by misting it with water.

Basil seeds need warmth to germinate. So, place the container in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Step 3: Keep Conditions Optimal

Basil likes warmth and consistent moisture for germination. In cooler climates, you might start seeds indoors, and once they sprout, gradually expose them to sunlight outdoors. If you live in a hot climate, consider placing your basil in a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade to prevent wilting.

As your basil seedlings grow, thin them out to allow airflow between plants. You can transplant extra seedlings into new containers or share them with friends to expand your herb garden.

Caring for Basil in Containers

Once planted, ongoing care will help your basil grow into a lush, productive plant. Whether you’ve started with basil seeds or small plants, these care tips will ensure a healthy harvest of flavorful leaves.

Light Needs for Growing Basil

Basil loves sunlight. To keep it thriving, aim for 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, but keep an eye on it during especially hot days. A little afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from wilting or burning in warmer climates. If you’re growing basil indoors, place it near a sunny window or use a grow light to provide enough light.

Watering Your Plants

Keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy is vital to healthy basil. Water your basil whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid too much. Containers with good drainage prevent water from pooling, reducing the risk of root rot.

If you're unsure about watering, you can pick up a moisture meter. It provides a clear indication when the soil is dry. Otherwise, opt for a self-watering planter like those available from EarthBox. The company offers a smaller gardening box perfect for basil and other herbs.

Their planting boxes also come with:

• Aeration Screen
• Water Fill Tube
• Mulch Covers
• Overflow Saucer/Drip Tray
• Fertilizer & dolomite

Fertilizing Your Basil

Basil doesn’t need heavy fertilization. Feed your indoor plants once a month, while outdoor basil can use a boost every two to three weeks. The best fertilizer for basil is any good quality, balanced fertilizer.

A water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength is perfect. You can also use an organic fertilizer like cow manure, fish emulsion, or worm castings.

Pruning and Pinching

One of the best ways to keep your basil productive is regular pruning. Once your basil plant is about 6-8 inches tall, pinch off the top sets of leaves to encourage bushier growth. Regularly pruning also keeps basil from flowering, which can cause the leaves to become bitter.

Harvesting Fresh Basil

Properly harvesting basil is vital to keeping your plant productive and encouraging new growth. Here’s how to make the most of your basil plant while ensuring you get a continuous supply of leaves.

How to Harvest Basil

The best way to harvest basil is by pinching or cutting just above a pair of leaves on the stem. This “pinching back” method encourages the plant to grow new branches and creates a bushier plant. Start harvesting when the basil plant is about 6-8 inches tall and has several pairs of leaves.

Harvest Frequently

For a continuous supply of fresh basil, harvest leaves regularly. Frequent harvesting gives you fresh leaves for cooking and prevents the plant from flowering. Once basil begins to flower, the leaves may taste slightly bitter. If you see flower buds, pinch them off to keep the leaves sweet and tender.

Using Your Basil Harvest

Freshly harvested basil can be used immediately in recipes like pesto, salads, and pasta. For more extended storage, try drying or freezing the leaves. Place whole basil leaves in a freezer bag, chop them, or freeze them in ice cube trays with water or olive oil. This way, you can enjoy the flavor of fresh basil long after the growing season ends.

Troubleshooting Common Basil Problems

Even with the best care, container basil plants can encounter a few common issues. Here are some quick tips to identify and resolve these problems to keep your herb garden healthy.

Pests

Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are the most common basil pests. If you notice small insects on the leaves, spray them off with a gentle stream of water or use a mild insecticidal soap. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves, where pests often hide. Regularly inspecting your plants will help catch any pest problems early.

Yellow Leaves

If the leaves start turning yellow, it’s often a sign of overwatering. Ensure your gardening container has good drainage to avoid waterlogging the soil. Yellow leaves may show a lack of nutrients. If you think this is the case, try using a light dose of fertilizer.

Wilting

Wilting can result from either too much or too little water. If the soil feels dry, give the plant a thorough watering, but if it’s already damp, let it dry out before watering again. Another common cause of wilting is too much direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day. If intense sunlight exposes the plant, try providing afternoon shade.

Stunted Growth

Basil needs warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. If your plant isn’t growing well, check that it’s getting at least 6-8 hours of light.

Basil also suffers from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To promote better growth, consider bringing your basil indoors during cooler weather.

With these troubleshooting tips, you can quickly address problems, helping you enjoy a healthy, flourishing basil plant.

EarthBox - Your Smart Choice for Container Gardening

Growing basil in containers is a rewarding and easy way to add fresh herbs to your home. With the correct gardening container, soil, and light, basil plants will thrive, providing endless flavorful leaves for your recipes.

To simplify things, EarthBox offers an herb garden kit, a perfect solution for basil lovers. You get everything you need, from a planter box and mulch cover to fertilizer. All you have to do is grab a packet of basil seeds and potting mix of your choice, and you're off and running. The self-watering planter eliminates concerns about too much or too little water.

EarthBox is your green thumb for container gardening. Grow basil successfully year-round with its lab-tested and proven solution.