I have basil started in my basement. Some of the seedlings have either germinated without their first set of leaves or they have been eaten by something. I have been starting seedlings for our farm for many years. This is the first time I have ever had this happen. Any ideas?
Is it only a stem poking through or does it have what appears to be a helmet on the top. This commonly happens, which prevent the leaves from opening up. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/seed-coat-stuck.htm
My best friend got me a sage plant (Salvia officinalis) about a month ago. I found it a very sweet gift and she assured me sage can be fine indoors. I left it on a windowsill and gave it about 8 oz of water each day. I noticed little holes and some of the stems wilting. I cleaned its roots and checked the pot for any worms or pests and saw none. I then bought dust pesticide to use on it and everything seemed fine. A blogger suggested leaving it on my porch. I did and nothing is flourishing. If anything, it seems skinnier than before. I've had my plant since the beginning of March and some of the bigger leaves have already fallen off. Am I doing something wrong? Hate to kill my friend's gift.
It could simply be suffering from over watering. Rather than watering the plant every day, you should be allowing the soil to dry out some before giving it more. Too much water can lead to fungal issues and root rot. These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/sage/growing-sage-plant-indoors.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/signs-of-plants-affected-by-too-much-water.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
Transplanted my basil seedlings 3 weeks ago. They sprouted up to 8 inches in this period, and then suddenly yesterday they started to wilt. No signs of disease, no change in color, soil ph is 7.2, moisture level is 8 - what shall I do?
They may be damping off (which is caused by a fungus) or root rot if they were over watered. Make sure the drainage is good and add some fungicide to the soil to keep off the fungus.
Purchased 5 Basil plants from a gardening spot. Almost immediately began getting yellow leaves at the bottom. (The spot is perfect - Have been using it for years.) When I harvested some today, noticed the underside of the yellowish/green leaves have a sandy, dark collection on them. It can't completely be washed away. Not sure what it is but will not eat it. Do you have any idea what to spray it with or how to treat it?
It may be aphids or a similar pest. You can treat the plants with a pesticide. As they are food plants, I like neem oil as it is organic, safe for people and beneficial bugs and effective on pests. This article may also be helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
Why are my sweet basil leaves turning black on the undersides? The new leaves are beautiful but as they grower larger, the leaf develops black underside, similar to mildew, but not on the tops. How can I fix this problem? What am I doing wrong, as new to growing in Florida.
Sounds like a fungus, possible from too much moisture or even pests. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with neem oil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-diseases.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm
I have Dark Opal basil, Lemon basil, Common sage, and Blue rosemary. Will planting any of those with/mixed in with my peppermint be a bad idea?
Since peppermint is in the mint family, it is a spreader with the likelihood of taking over surrounding plants/areas. Therefore, I would recommend planting the peppermint in a container (which can also be bottomless and sunk into the ground) to avoid this problem. As long the this plant is contained, then planting the others nearby should be ok, but I would not recommend planting them together in the same pot.
How do I correct leggy basil?
Just clip the plant back to encourage side growth and fullness.