Basil is a very easy plant to grow indoors in a pot. It can be grown in a variety of containers, such as clay pots, terra cotta pots and even hanging baskets; however, the biggest challenge that you will face when cultivating this herb is determining which type of basil to grow.
Step 1: Get a pot
Growing basil indoors in a pot is a great way to get fresh basil without having to go outside. You will need a pot, some soil, and some basil plants.
To start growing your basil plants, you first need to get a pot. You can find pots at most garden stores or online. Make sure that the pot is big enough for the amount of soil that you will be using.
Step 2: Fill the pot with soil
Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix. Basil prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add some compost or manure to the soil to improve its nutrient content.
Make sure to water the soil thoroughly before planting the basil seeds. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before planting the seeds.
Basil seeds can be purchased from most gardening stores. You can also find them online.
Step 3: Plant Basil seeds in the planted pot
Basil is a delicious herb that can be used in many different recipes. If you love the taste of basil, you may want to try growing your own at home.
Growing basil indoors in a pot is actually quite easy. All you need is a pot, some potting soil, and some basil seeds.
To get started, fill your pot with potting soil and then wet the soil until it is damp. Next, take your basil seeds and sprinkle them on top of the soil. Make sure that the seeds are spaced out so that they have room to grow.
Then, simply wait for the seeds to germinate and start growing! Once the basil plants are big enough, you can begin harvesting the leaves to use in your favorite recipes.
Step 4: Water your basil plant
Water your basil plant regularly, but be sure not to over-water it. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.
Be sure to fertilize your basil plant every few weeks with a high-quality fertilizer. Basil likes a lot of nitrogen, so choose a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
Step 5: Wait for the Basil to grow taller
After a few weeks, your basil should be big enough to begin harvesting. When the leaves are about 6 inches long, you can start snipping them off at the stem. Try not to take more than one-third of the leaves off of the plant at a time so that it can continue to grow.
Step 6: Harvest leaves from your plant
You can start harvesting leaves from your plant once it has reached 6-8 inches in height. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves from the stem, being careful not to damage the plant.
Harvest leaves as needed and use them fresh in salads, soups, and other dishes. You can also dry or freeze the leaves for later use.
To dry basil leaves, place them on a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven set to the lowest setting. Leave the leaves in the oven until they are completely dried out (this could take several hours).
Once the leaves are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried basil leaves will keep for up to 6 months.
To freeze basil leaves, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once the leaves are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 year.