Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Grubbypaws on July 10, 2018, 15:47

Title: First time growing basil
Post by: Grubbypaws on July 10, 2018, 15:47
My basil has germinated and been potted into 3" pots as per the instructions on the seed packet but I need advice on how to water them. Do I water from above or below? Would putting them on capilliary matting work?

Any advice would be welcome  :)
Title: Re: First time growing basil
Post by: DHM on July 10, 2018, 16:32
I just water the surface of the soil usually. I've never used capillary matting but in theory it might be a good idea.
Title: Re: First time growing basil
Post by: Gardener and Rabbit on July 10, 2018, 21:41
I water mine either way, always seems to thrive at this time of year regardless.

This year I'm experimenting with sowing a few extra seeds around the first plants, so that as the first plants are harvested there's a second crop coming along.

Also do a few extra pots to give away to friends and family!
Title: Re: First time growing basil
Post by: lettice on July 11, 2018, 08:57
I used to have feeble growing basil when growing it outside.
But from some mentions on here and on Beechgrove about growing it below your tomatoes in the greenhouse its grown great last few years.
I water at the top of the 3-4 inch pots each day, same time that I water the greenhouse tomatoes they are sitting next to.
They do not seem to get too dry each day, so I judge how much from a quick finger moist test.
Title: Re: First time growing basil
Post by: sunshineband on July 11, 2018, 17:19
I used to have feeble growing basil when growing it outside.
But from some mentions on here and on Beechgrove about growing it below your tomatoes in the greenhouse its grown great last few years.
I water at the top of the 3-4 inch pots each day, same time that I water the greenhouse tomatoes they are sitting next to.
They do not seem to get too dry each day, so I judge how much from a quick finger moist test.

Mine is also growing beneath the tomatoes but this year I have planted it directly into the border soil, so obviously is watered from above at the same time as the tomatoes. The plants are thriving so I guess basil copes with watering from above: I'd do that when your pots feel a little on the light side
Title: Re: First time growing basil
Post by: AnneB on July 12, 2018, 07:53
I never had much success outside with basil but last year I grew it very successfully in the polytunnel at the allotment and the same this year at home in the greenhouse.  I don't bother potting on, in fact I ignore all the instructions and sow it a bit like the pots you get in a supermarket.  However I use a much wider and deeper pot.  I sow loads of seeds in the one pot.  I usually water from above.   Masses of lovely basil.   It seems to like growing this way but the roots aren't restricted like the supermarket ones and it keeps on growing. When I can fathom out how to reduce the size of my pictures I will post one!