When it comes to watering your basil plants, you need to know how frequently you should do so. If too much water is given, the basil will drown and die. However, if it isn’t watered enough, the soil will become dry and not be able to grow any more basil plants.
Checking the soil’s moisture level is the best way to tell if the plant needs water. If it doesn’t feel moist at all, then there’s a good chance that it’s time for watering!
In this article, we will explain how often should you water basil, how to tell if it needs water, and what happens when you over or under water it.
What is Basil, And Why Does It Need to be Watered?
Basil is a very popular herb, and adds a refreshing flavor to pasta, salads, and even some soups. Basil plants are soft stemmed plants that also grow small purple flowers.
The leaves on the plant resemble chives in shape and taste. It’s often used as a decoration in homes because of its fragrant smell which is said to release the body’s stress.
Basil requires water in order to grow, just like any other plant! The soil must be damp in order for it to thrive properly. It is important to not only water it every day, but to also make sure that the pot has enough drainage holes so that all the excess water can escape while keeping the soil moist.
Where Should It Be Placed?
If your basil plant is not receiving direct sunlight, then you should place it in a location where the light will come through a window so that it gets enough sunlight to survive.
Sunlight makes an enormous difference in how well a basil plant will grow and flourish! Placing the plant outside during warm seasons is also a good idea to help it grow quickly and produce more basil!
How Often Should You Water Basil
There are different opinions on how often you should water your basil. Some say that you should water the soil until the water comes out of the drainage hole, while others believe that watering until about an inch of the soil is dry is better. When you feel the soil is dry, you should water.
Watering basil too often will not only drown the plant, but will also cause the roots to rot. Overwatering can also cause mold and other diseases to form on the leaves of the plant. Basil does not like wet feet, so water it properly and give it enough drainage!
Under watering will also cause problems for the basil plant. The leaves will turn yellow, and the stem will become weak and brittle. If the soil is too dry, the plant won’t be able to take up any water or nutrients, which will ultimately kill it.
It’s important to stick to the watering schedule for basil, and make sure that you don’t alter it too often. Although there are different opinions on how often basil should be watered, sticking to one will give better results in either! Following are some tips that will help you determine how often you need to water your growing plant.
Gather All The Supplies
The first step to take is to gather all the supplies. The list includes: a pot with an attached saucer, basil seeds or already started plants, and soil. Be sure that you use either seed starting mix or organic compost for your herbs and vegetables!
It’s important to use soil that drains efficiently because your plant will drown if not placed in soil with good drainage.
Fill The Planter With Soil
The next step is to fill up your pot or container with soil, leaving a space at the top for water to soak into the roots of the plant.
Plant Your Basil Seed Or Starter Plant
Now comes the fun part! Take your basil plant and carefully pull it apart so that you can separate the mulch from the stem. Place the roots in the soil, and dispersed them.
Cover with enough soil so that all the white parts of the root system are covered, but not too much where there is no space for the plant to grow. If you are using seeds, then sprinkle them on top of the soil and press them in gently.
Water Well And Place in Sunny Location
Once your basil plant is in the soil, it’s time to water well! Be sure to pour water until it comes out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Place your pot in a sunny location and let the plant grow!
Signs That Your Plant Needs Watering
The basil plant needs to be watered and there are a few signs you see that will let you know that it’s time to do it:
Feel The Soil Prior to Planting
Prior to planting anything in a container or pot, feel the soil with your hands. If it feels dry and sandy, then you need to add moisture prior to planting. If it’s wet, then you can plant your seeds, starter plants or already grown basil.
Water Plant When The Soil Feels Dry
Once you’ve planted your seeds or seedling (or even established plant), then it’s important to check the soil before watering it. Feel the soil with your hands and see if it feels dry. If it does, then water the plant until the water drains out of the pot.
Watch for Wilting
Another sign that your basil needs water is if it wilts. Basil will usually droop or curl up its leaves when it’s thirsty. If you see this, then water it immediately!
Tips for Watering Plants Correctly
The watering of plants is important, but there are some tips that require more care than others. For instance, newly planted seeds or seedlings need to be watered more often than a mature plant. The following are some tips that will help you water your plants correctly and efficiently:
Fill the drainage hole with water until it pours out of the plant
When your basil or any other plant needs to be watered, make sure you water it enough so that water drains from the bottom. If you don’t give it enough water, then your plant will not get the nutrients it needs through its roots because they are standing in water instead of soil.
Water in The Morning
The best time to water your plants is in the morning. This will give them plenty of time to soak up the water and dry off before nightfall when it becomes cold and could cause your plant to freeze.
Don’t Water If It Rains
Although it’s important to water your plants regularly, you shouldn’t if it’s raining. This is because the rain will do the same job you would do, and it may hurt your plants’ roots.
Remove Bottom Leaves If They Turn Yellow And Brown
If you notice any brown or yellow leaves on the basil plant, then remove them immediately. Also, avoid touching any of the leaves with your hands as this can spread any diseases to the rest of the plant.
How to Grow Healthy Basil Plants from Basil Seeds
Growing basil from seeds is a simple process that can produce long-lasting results. It should take Basil flowers at the end of its growing season and this into consideration when planting your basil.
- Water your container or pot before starting
- Fill up your planter with soil, leaving a space for excess water to drain out of the bottom
- Sow 2-4 basil seeds in the soil, and then cover with a thin layer of soil
- Water the seeds after planting, pouring water until it comes out of the drainage hole
- Move your pot to a sunny location, and keep the soil moist by watering when the top inch feels dry to the touch
- Once the seeds germinate, thin out the plants so that they are 4-6 inches apart from one another
- When the basil plant flowers, cut off the flower stem 1-2 inches below the flower head to encourage recent growth
- Harvest leaves from your basil plant as you need them; leave at least 4-5 leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow
- If frost is in the forecast, cover your basil plant with a light cloth or blanket to keep it from freezing.
Watering your basil plant regularly is essential for its health and growth. Observe the soil moisture level before watering and water until water comes out of the drainage hole. Remove any brown or yellow leaves and transplant your basil plant to full sun spot. Enjoy harvesting your homegrown basil all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Basil Last?
If you properly store it, fresh basil can last for up to 7-10 days. Basil also freezes well and will last for several months in the freezer.
Where Should I Place My Potted Basil Plant?
We should place your basil in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. The plant should also be near a source of water so you can easily water it.
Should I Remove All The Brown Leaves?
Yes, remove any brown or yellow leaves from the plant as they are a sign that the plant is not healthy. Also, avoid touching any of the leaves with your hands as this can spread any diseases to the rest of the plant.
Final Thought
In summary, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of growing healthy basil plants from seeds. Water them regularly so they have access to the nutrients they need to grow.
You should also remove leaves that show signs of disease or discoloration as soon as possible. If frost threatens your plant, cover it with a light cloth or blanket before nightfall; otherwise, harvest all the delicious herbs!
