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- Q.Basil Care - I always end up with dead basil. I try to keep the soil moist, but maybe it's too moist. The ...
- Q.Basil Plant Problem - My basil plant leaves are full of holes overnight. I see no bugs.
- Q.Asian Basil Plants - I have an Asian basil plant, which has grown nicely for over 2 years. For some reason this summer it ...
- Q.Planting Basil Seeds - Can I plant dried basil seeds or do they need to be fresh?
- Q.Growing Basil Indoors - It says the pH level of soil should be checked about once a month. How do you check the pH ...
- Q.Basil Flowered - My basil in the garden has flowered and last week we had a frost so now the leaves are dark ...
- Q.Basil Seeds - I have a Thai basil plant that was thriving beautifully but it had an accident. It got tipped over and ...
Asked by
Anonymous on
September 1, 2011Q.Basil Care
I always end up with dead basil. I try to keep the soil moist, but maybe it's too moist. The leaves always turn brown and fall off and there is no new growth noticed within 1-2 weeks after purchasing a healthy plant. If I stop watering and let the pot get somewhat dry, the plant wilts and then I water it and that happens! HELP.
Answered by
Nikki on
September 2, 2011
Certified ExpertA.How is the drainage on the pot? It sounds like the water stressed plant may be then hit by a lack of oxygen to the roots. Make sure that it does not sit is standing water and that the excess water can drain away.
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
September 2, 2011Q.Basil Plant Problem
My basil plant leaves are full of holes overnight. I see no bugs.
- Answered by
Nikki on
September 3, 2011
Certified ExpertA.The most common culprit for this is slugs. They love basil leaves. They also come out at night, so seeing them is difficult. Read this article for some advice on getting rid of them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm
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Anonymous on
September 8, 2011Q.Asian Basil Plants
I have an Asian basil plant, which has grown nicely for over 2 years. For some reason this summer it is covered in small brown spots, which lets off clear sweet puss and is attracting a lot of bees and wasps. The leaves are also turning brown quite quickly. We do not really eat any of the leaves as we pray to the plant and I have never given it anything apart from water. Do you know the reason for the spots?
- Answered by
Nikki on
September 9, 2011
Certified ExpertA.It is aphids. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
September 9, 2011Q.Planting Basil Seeds
Can I plant dried basil seeds or do they need to be fresh?
- Answered by
Nikki on
September 10, 2011
Certified ExpertA.You can use dried basil seeds. This article will help you with planting basil seeds: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/growing-basil-seeds.htm
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Anonymous on
September 19, 2011Q.Growing Basil Indoors
It says the pH level of soil should be checked about once a month. How do you check the pH level? Is there a certain kit or equipment needed to do this check?
- Answered by
Nikki on
September 20, 2011
Certified ExpertA.Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
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Anonymous on
October 5, 2011Q.Basil Flowered
My basil in the garden has flowered and last week we had a frost so now the leaves are dark brown. Is it still useable? Can I propagate it to bring indoors? Do I use a cutting or take seeds from flowers?
- Answered by
Nikki on
October 6, 2011
Certified ExpertA.Cut the brown leaves off as these are no longer any good. Here is information on propagating these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/propagating-basil.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
October 9, 2011Q.Basil Seeds
I have a Thai basil plant that was thriving beautifully but it had an accident. It got tipped over and some of the soil spilled out. I didn't check it like I should have and when I finally did, I found out that some of the roots were exposed. It looks pretty sad. It is covered with blossoms. How do I know when to collect the seeds and how do I do it?
- Answered by
Nikki on
October 10, 2011
Certified ExpertA.Hopefully, you repotted the plant to cover the exposed roots and have given it a good watering.
Once a basil plant flowers, the leaves start to lose their good flavor. However, once you remove the flowers, the leaves will get their good flavor back in just a day or so. To harvest seeds, remove the flowers and allow them to dry, then collect the seeds for planting or storing.
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