20 Everyday Herbs: Herbs at Home

By Linda Gray

A potted history of twenty everyday herbs, step by step growing instructions, storing ideas and even medicinal uses. 

Basil ... Bay ... Celery ... Chives ... Coriander ... Dill ... Fennel ... Garlic ... Horseradish ... Lavender ... Lemon Balm ... Lovage ... Marigold ... Mint ... Nasturtium ... Oregano ... Parsley ... Rosemary ... Sage ... Thyme.

'20 Everyday Herbs' is packed full of everything you need to know about how to grow herbs for everyday use. A must-have!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Gray
• Release date: Jul 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386556589

Linda Gray

Linda Gray lived off the land as a stay-at-home mum on a tiny budget for many years and, among other things, learned how to connect with nature and the simpler things in life. Her experiences led her to pursue her childhood dream of writing and she has been sharing her ideas via books and blogs for more than a decade.

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BASIL (Ocimum basilicum)

(annual)

About Basil

Basil is native to southern Asia and the Middle East but will grow as an annual plant in most moderate climates. It was introduced to Europe as a culinary herb in the 16th century.

Basil has, for many centuries, been considered to be a herb of love and purity and many myths and legends have been attached to it, from the belief that it will open the gates of heaven, to a sprig worn in the hair will attract your loved one.

It’s been cultivated for thousands of years and has been used medicinally as well as in the kitchen for just as long.

Perhaps the most common use of basil today is its addition to tomato dishes and many people refer to it as the tomato herb.

Basil was believed to cure many different ailments from coughs and colds through to digestive aids. It has also been used cosmetically to add shine to dull hair.

Growing

Because basil is indigenous to warm regions, the plant will not survive cold temperatures. The seed should be started indoors in spring or outside when the ground has warmed up. Position basil plants with peppers and tomato plants and they will enhance each other’s growth.

There are a number of different types of basil and you should choose one that is suited to your region. Most basil types will grow successfully in a moderate climate if kept warm in the early stages of growth. It is possible to keep basil going throughout the winter but it will need to be indoors or in a warm greenhouse or conservatory.

If you want to try and keep plants going through the winter months, consider growing in a container and then bring it inside when the temperature starts to drop. Generally plants should be watered less often during the winter months, although in a centrally heated house, the soil may dry out quickly. Keep an eye on your plants and water when necessary.

Start seeds off in trays, or pots of seed compost. Make sure the containers are well drained. Keep warm on a windowsill or in a greenhouse and keep the soil damp. Basil plants are normally fairly quick to germinate and you should see most of the plants up within the first couple of weeks of sowing.

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Planting out:

When the plants have four or five true leaves (not counting the first two), they are ready to transplant. Pot on in individual pots or containers. When the weather and ground has warmed up, plant some straight out into the garden.

Choose a sunny spot. Basil likes lots of warmth and will thrive with 5 hours or more of sunshine every day. Prepare the soil by digging over and raking to a fine consistency. Remove any weeds and large stones.

Basil is not a heavy feeder and will tolerate a fairly poor soil. The plants stay reasonably small and can be dotted about the garden. The heavy scent helps to repel flies and aphids so one or two plants in all your vegetable beds will help other crops resist bugs and viruses.

Because basil likes to grow in full sun, drying out can be a problem. Make sure you keep the plants well watered – but not waterlogged. The soil should always be well drained.

Seed can be planted directly outside, but the weather conditions must be good. Make sure all danger of frost has passed. Protect seeds and seedlings with a cloche at night if temperatures are low. When the plants are a few inches high, they will need thinning and re-positioning if necessary.

Basil repels insects so doesn't tend to suffer with many problem bugs, although young plants should be protected against slug and snail attacks. Spread broken eggshells around the seedlings or use any other organic method to protect against slugs.

When the flower heads begin to grow, pinch out the whole branch and the plant will grow more leaves. Use your basil as much as you like. The more you use it, the more it will grow!

Harvest the whole plant, or bring indoors in its container, before the cold weather. Frost or a very cold spell will finish off a basil plant.

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Storing

Basil is always tastier if used fresh but can be very successfully stored by freezing or drying.

Hang sprigs or small bunches upside down in a dark, warm but airy room until dry. Crumble leaves into a sealable glass jar and label.

Freeze whole sprigs quickly on a flat tray and store in the freezer in sealable bags. Label.

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Medicinal uses for Basil

Basil belongs to the same family of plants as mint and is considered to be a good digestive aid. Herbalists use it to