The Rescue Plan: How to Keep Basil Plants Healthy

Buying from the supermarket is often the first step in a short basil life. The plants are crammed too closely together, competing for every ray of light and every drop of water. Their roots have hardly any room to breathe, and the soil they are in is usually nutrient-poor and not meant for a long plant life. It's basically a basil survival battle in the pot!

But it's not just the cramped conditions that affect basil. This aromatic herb originates from warmer regions and loves the sun. If you place it in too dark or too cool temperatures (below 15 degrees Celsius), growth stops or the plant gets damaged. And there are more pitfalls when watering: both waterlogging and extreme dryness are the sure death for your basil. It prefers to be evenly moist but well-drained.

Your harvesting method can also be crucial. Many people simply pluck individual leaves, but this weakens the plant significantly. It needs the right treatment to keep sprouting anew.

Your Basil Rescue Plan Starts NOW!

The very first step after purchase: Give your basil room to breathe! Take the plant out of the supermarket pot and carefully divide it into several smaller portions. Place each portion in its own pot – ideally with fresh, peat-free potting soil. No more than ten stems should be in each pot, so the roots have enough space to spread out and become strong. Then place the pots in a sunny, warm spot on your windowsill, balcony, or in the garden.

The Secret Weapons for a Lush Harvest? Compost and Coffee Grounds!

Compost provides your basil with all the important nutrients and improves the soil. Add about three liters per square meter to the soil before planting. As an additional power booster, coffee grounds are suitable. They provide nitrogen and potassium and also keep unwanted slugs away. But be careful: use coffee grounds sparingly and renew regularly to avoid mold formation.

And this is how you really harvest correctly: Don't just cut off individual leaves! Use scissors and cut entire shoot tips above a leaf junction. It may sound radical, but it's great for your plant! It encourages it to form new side shoots, becomes bushier, and prevents it from blooming prematurely. Blooming takes energy and can affect the delicious aroma. Regular cutting is the key to continuous use.

The Ultimate Basil Guide: How to Keep Your Plant Happy!

For a bountiful harvest and a healthy basil plant, the following points are crucial:

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