We have a house on Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles and are bothered by iguanas. They leave their "poo" next to the pool, and all around the house. I do not leave any food, but they eat newly planted flowers, even Basilicum. I love your help. I heard of electrical fences, but would not know where to get them.
You could try electric fencing; however, plastic fencing will work just as well. Really, anything that creates a barrier will work. Iguanas are diggers and with digging animals, the solution is to dig a trench around the garden and bury the barrier you will be using down at least 6". This will stop them if they try to dig below. For additional info on iguana control, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/iguana-control.htm
I bought a basil plant on Friday at Trader Joe's and it was bright green and healthy, pretty mature. Today is Sunday and I came home to some dark spots on the leaves. I had not watered it since I bought it and it's been in my kitchen, so not receiving much light at least for the past 24 hours, as I was away. Is my basil wilting or does it have bacteria leaf spot? If it is bacteria, is this harmful to humans? And is there anyway to save my plant or should I return it?
Thanks!
Herb plants purchased at grocery stores are not really meant to live very long, just to be eaten within a few days. At least that's my experience. Don't eat the leaves with spots on them, but the rest should be okay. If you want to raise some herbs in your kitchen, you'll need to put them on windowsill, or provide electric light, and get potted plants from a garden store. Here's some more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/growing-herbs-indoors.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/information-on-how-to-grow-basil-indoors.htm
There are holes in several of my basil leaves and some of them are yellow.
Holes in your leaves indicate something is munching on your basil. I am a big basil fan and grow nearly 20 plants each year.
The fragrant basil sometimes attract unwanted bugs, caterpillars, and spiders. I prefer to cover the basil with a light netting to help cutdown on insect damage.
Neem Oil is a good safe product to use in the garden.
Here are a few links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-diseases.htm
How can I keep my potted basil plants from dying? Every year they start off fine. I have tried full sun, part shade, small pots, big pots, etc. All my herbs do well.
What is the lifespan of your basil plants? Do you grow from seed or buy plants? What symptoms do they exhibit as they are dying? Another thing to keep in mind is that basil are very cold sensitive plants and you will not want to put them outside too soon.
Basils need to be put in a location with good sun. Tell me about your watering practices. The pots you use need to have good drainage. Basils need consistent moisture so you have to be careful not to under/over water. For specific guidelines on how to water basils in containers, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-watering-tips.htm
For more information on growing basil, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/
Does this spread like mint?
No, Thai Basil is not invasive.
Here is a link with information about growing Thai Basil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/growing-thai-basil.htm
My basil is turning yellow. It's planted in a large container with Miracle Grow soil. Can you tell me what might be the problem?
One of the most common causes of yellowing leaves is over-watering. I would review the following article which will give you specific guidelines on how to water your basil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-watering-tips.htm
If watering is not the issue, then this article will help you identify other possible causes:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-diseases.htm
We have a plot at our church's community garden. The plot had Cinnamon Basil all over it. We dug up all of it, but one small plant. Now, two weeks later, it is taking over our garden where we have vegetables and herbs planted. The church doesn't allow us to use any pesticide to kill basil, unless it's organic. What do we use to get rid of the basil that is taking over? Thanks for your help.
Cinnamon basil has shallow roots so it should be relatively easy to hand pull, which is what I recommend you do in this case.
Shelley: thanks for responding. We have pulled & pulled the basil out by the roots, but it just keeps coming back. What else can I do?