Thinning basil seedlings how to#

Use a well-draining potting soil mix like you would if you were sowing seeds from scratch. Also, make sure that the container has good drainage holes. Use a container that is around an inch or so larger than the plant’s base. Try to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible when transplanting to make the transition go smoother. Use a small garden trowel to dig a few inches away from the plant’s base to help loosen the soil. Larger, older basil plants usually have roots that can be well over a foot deep in the soil. Smaller plants usually work better for transplanting. If you are still having successful harvests from your established garden basil, you can dig it up to put into containers for bringing indoors during the colder winter months. Once seedlings have their first set of true leaves, thin so you have about 3-4 plants per 4″ container. Pulling can disturb the other seedlings’ roots and cause your more issues in the long run. It works easiest to just clip the stem off at the soil line as opposed to pulling the seedlings out. You want the basil you grow indoors to have plenty of good airflow, and thinning helps to avoid overcrowded plants. Aim for around 3 to 4 plants per 4 inch sized pot. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin so you only have a few plants per container. Your basil should germinate in around 8 to 10 days. Keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. Place the container in a South-facing window or another location that has supplemental lighting and wait for germination. Lightly cover with a thin layer of potting mix and use a spray bottle to lightly moisten the surface. You can also add in a little bit of compost to help not only increase drainage but also give the plants a boost of nutrients right off the bat.Ĭarefully sprinkle the basil seeds on top of the soil, trying to space them apart as you go. Start by filling the container with a good-quality potting soil mix that has already been pre-moistened. Especially if you are planning on frequently harvesting and using basil throughout the long winter months. You can definitely use a larger container if you like. Since basil is such a compact plant, you can grow it even if you are lacking in space, and the 4 to 6-inch size works well for most. You can start basil seeds in smaller grow pots and then transfer them to larger containers once they are a few inches tall.Ĭhoose a small container that is around 4 to 6 inches wide and features a drainage hole in the bottom. Oh, and don’t forget the lights (more on this below)! All you really need to begin is a seed packet, your container, some potting mix, and a little bit of water. It’s easy to start growing basil indoors from seeds.

Thinning basil seedlings how to#

Here is a look how to grow either way, starting with seeds first: Starting From Scratch You can also start brand new plants using seeds as well if outside plants are not an option. If your plants are already growing outside in potted containers, they can easily be brought inside as well. While there are some late season crops that you can still harvest outside in the fall, your herbs will do better indoors where it is warmer and protected from colder temperatures. Once the outdoor temps start to drop to 50º Fahrenheit or below, your basil plants and other herbs need to be transferred indoors if planted in the ground. Whether you are creating new starts from your established summer plants, or you are starting from seed – this article has you covered! How To Grow Basil Indoors The thought of the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth start to water! (Need some good recipe ideas? Try Tomato Basil Bruschetta or Basil Chickpea Burger.)īasil is actually an annual, but you can enjoy growing it no matter what time of year it is with these simple tips and tricks. Just imagine how good those homemade pasta dishes or baked pizzas will be topped off with freshly cut basil. Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, all year round!