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- Q.Pruning Basil Plant - Would I be able to prune the basil plant below the previous pruning point? For example, the last time I ...
- Q.What’s Eating My Basil? - I have a raised container bed with several herbs - the only herb being ravaged is my basil - but ...
- Q.The Leaves Of My Basil And Mint Plants Seem To Go Partly Missing Or Develop Holes: What Could Be Happening? - I try visit the garden site at different times of the day and even tried a couple of times during ...
- Q.Why Are My Basil Leaves Are Turning Yellow And The Stems Brown? - My plant leaves are beginning to turn a pale yellow(almost white). The leaves are getting spots and the stem is ...
- Q.Basil Plants Have A Mildew Invasion – How To Cure/treat? - Hello, My indoor and outdoor basil plants (thai and regular) keep getting a sort of mildew invasion on their leaves. ...
- Q.What Are These White Marks On My Basil And What Pest Is Eating The Leaves? - Hello I've been trying to grow some basil and I keep having the same issue, pests are eating the leaves ...
- Q.There Looks Like A Fungus Is Attacking My Basil Plants. - The plant was healthy up to a week ago. I did see a caterpillar on the sage however this looks ...
Asked by
kalyankc on
August 3, 2020
75025Q.Pruning Basil Plant
Would I be able to prune the basil plant below the previous pruning point? For example, the last time I pruned, I didn't prune at the lower point of the plant. The plant is now a little tall. Now, I realized, the previous prune should have been done much lower. I already have two new branches from the previous pruning. Now, I want to prune that away much below the branched out location. Would that be OK? Would I still get two new branches with the new prune? I have attached a picture with a red slash mark where I want to prune.
Answered by
BushDoctor on
August 5, 2020
Certified ExpertA.Basil tolerates a very heavy pruning, and at any time. In fact, this plant will do best when pruned frequently, and as needed.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/pruning-back-basil-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm
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- Asked by
bmiller854 on
August 4, 2020
77040Q.What’s Eating My Basil?
I have a raised container bed with several herbs - the only herb being ravaged is my basil - but out of 7-8 plants only 3 are being targeted. I have not seen any evidence of slugs but tried slug bait - I have used an insecticidal soap spray. I have not seen anything actively on my plants until this past weekend I saw what looked like bug poop on a few of the leaves. And then today I saw a small german cockroach on a leaf - (which I have trouble typing because I am terrified of any of the "R's") but I read that basil is a deterant to R's - this little one didn't get the memo.... I've also tried going out at night but not found anything... Pics attached. Help!
- Answered by
bmiller854 on
August 4, 2020A.Sorry - I don't see how to delete my question. I really knew the answer but just couldn't find them. I went outside to inspect yet one more time and found two bright green caterpillars laughing at me...I showed them! ;)
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
August 4, 2020Q.The leaves of my basil and mint plants seem to go partly missing or develop holes: what could be happening?
I try visit the garden site at different times of the day and even tried a couple of times during the night but I have never seen any pest attacking the leaves.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
August 6, 2020
Certified ExpertA.A lot of munching happens at night on plants like these. Here's an article that will apply to the mint, as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/holes-in-basil-leaves.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Mermaid.97 on
August 7, 2020
95831Q.Why Are My Basil Leaves Are Turning Yellow And The Stems Brown?
My plant leaves are beginning to turn a pale yellow(almost white). The leaves are getting spots and the stem is beginning to turn brown. I originally thought it was getting too much sunlight so I put it in a shadier spot. It didn’t make a difference. I started adding more water, and it still hasn’t made a difference. My plant is still growing but I am worried. The stems are now turning brown and I don’t want it to get any worse. Any recommendations?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
August 10, 2020
Certified ExpertA.Basil will not get too much sun. You will do best to put it in the brightest spot possible. You could even stand to supplement some light.
Infection is likely. Overwatering will be the primary cause of infection. It can be much easier to replant with a fresh plant or seed, but you can save the existing plant with quite a bit of work.
Fungicides will be necessary. I would treat, both, the plant and the soil. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Pruning will be necessary, as well. You can cut the plant in half. This will help control the height, as well as make it bushier.
These plants are quite drought tolerant, so be sure that the soil has time to dry out, thoroughly, down to about halfway between waterings.
Here are some articles that will help you to care for basil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/information-on-how-to-grow-basil-indoors.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-harvest-basil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-watering-tips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/pruning-back-basil-plants.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
aubree123 on
August 13, 2020
93402Q.Basil Plants Have A Mildew Invasion – How To Cure/treat?
Hello, My indoor and outdoor basil plants (thai and regular) keep getting a sort of mildew invasion on their leaves. I don't know what is causing it, but it is killing my plants. I've already replaced 7 of my thai basil plants, spoken to a nursery worker about the problem, and applied neem oil to the plants. I really need help understanding what the mold/mildew is and how to prevent this from occurring and cure my ailing plants. Thank you!
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
August 14, 2020
Certified ExpertA.It looks like aphids, which put off a honeydew secretion, which in turn causes sooty mold. The Neem oil should take care of it. You can also flush the leaves with water to remove any pests or honeydew.
Do your plants get plenty of sun and air circulation? Here are cultural tips you can compare with your growing conditions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/growing-thai-basil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
August 17, 2020Q.What are these white marks on my basil and what pest is eating the leaves?
Hello I've been trying to grow some basil and I keep having the same issue, pests are eating the leaves and there are white marks. I can't seem to get health green luscious basil leaves! I have it in a well-drained sunny position. I bought a young plant and planted it and this is the second plant I have tried to grow. Please help!
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
August 18, 2020
Certified ExpertA.For the slugs, try sprinkling diatomaceous earth on the mulch around the plants, and be sure to do so again after it rains. Try using a mild solution of dish soap and water in the evenings to wash any insects hiding on the bottom sides of the leaves. They require a lot of care, but they're worth it. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/holes-in-basil-leaves.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Leabrov on
August 19, 2020
19027Q.There Looks Like A Fungus Is Attacking My Basil Plants.
The plant was healthy up to a week ago. I did see a caterpillar on the sage however this looks like a fungal infection. How do I deal with it?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
August 19, 2020
Certified ExpertA.Basil is very prone to infection from overwatering. Make sure to employ proper watering habits when dealing with basil. The soil must dry thoroughly down to about 2 or 3 inches between waterings.
From here you will need a fungicide, and to remove as much of the infected growth as possible. Basil is very accepting of hard pruning.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm
Was this answer useful?10 - Answered by
Leabrov on
August 20, 2020A.There has been a week of constant rain so this makes perfect sense that it is reacting to overwatering. I'll go get some fungicide. Thank you for taking the time to offer BushDoctor. I really appreciate it.
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