Veggie Seeds Offered Free of Charge in 2024 - February Edition
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Rachel, a seasoned gardener with 15 years of experience in growing fruit and vegetables, is sharing her expertise with subscribers of Gardeners' World magazine. This month, she is focusing on growing basil indoors, a herb she believes should be on everyone's must-grow list due to its versatility in the kitchen and sustainability benefits.
To grow basil successfully indoors, Rachel suggests placing your basil plant near a south-facing window where it can get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged by checking soil moisture regularly with your finger. Pruning basil plants just above the leaf nodes is also essential to encourage bushier growth by promoting the development of two new stems from each cut.
Key tips for success include watering regularly but avoiding overwatering; providing ample sunlight or supplementing with grow lights if natural light is insufficient since basil needs strong light to thrive indoors; frequent pruning to encourage denser foliage and prevent the plant from becoming leggy; using well-draining potting soil and a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot; and maintaining moderate indoor temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Following these practices will help you establish a productive and healthy indoor basil plant, ideal for kitchen gardening year-round. Homemade pesto made with basil is another delightful benefit of growing this herb, and basil is easy to grow from seed and is a perfect companion for fresh tomato salads and sauces in the summer.
Rachel offers growing advice for all 12 packs of free seeds she provides to subscribers. She also shares her growing experiences and advice on social media, making it easy for others to learn from her wealth of knowledge. The first seed sowings of the year have a therapeutic quality for Rachel, and she is excited to be growing basil on her windowsill before moving it to a pot on her kitchen table. The greenhouse is prepared for seed sowing with sieved compost, washed seed trays, and fresh tea, ready for the next round of seeds.
Tending to your basil plant at home can be an enjoyable addition to your lifestyle, especially for those interested in home-and-garden activities like gardening. By following Rachel's expert advice on growing basil indoors, you'll not only enjoy the benefits of fresh basil for cooking, but also create a thriving kitchen garden all year round.
