Basil is one of the UK's most popular herbs, and with the right care, it can thrive even in small spaces. Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh recently shared his top tips for growing healthy basil in a YouTube video for GrowForItHQ, and following his simple advice has transformed a potted basil plant into a flourishing success.
Key Advice: Space and Sunlight
Titchmarsh emphasized that basil plants need plenty of sunlight and are prone to fungus if planted too close together. He advised spacing plants 10cm apart to ensure air circulation. "It's a wonderful job doing this. You get glorious aromas assailing your nostrils," he said, noting that basil "loves it warm and sunny and then shrivels up come the colder weather, but when it's like this, perfect basil weather."
After planting, he described having a "lovely herb pot that looks good on the table," perfect for adding to many meals.
Applying the Advice
Following Titchmarsh's guidance, the gardener separated the basil plant to give each stem more space and better air flow. The plant was also moved to a sunnier spot to soak up more sunlight, which basil needs to thrive. During hotter weather, regular watering was essential to prevent the soil from drying out, especially since container plants dry out faster than those in the ground.
Since making these changes, the basil has looked much healthier and stronger, with more vibrant leaves, ideal for garnishing pizzas and salads. To encourage bushier growth, the gardener plans to pinch off the tops of stems rather than letting the plant grow too tall.
Expert Tips from the RHS
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), basil plants in containers can run short of nutrients, so it's important to apply an organic-based, balanced liquid fertiliser to boost leafy growth. They added: "Avoid using potassium-rich fertilisers like tomato feed, as these encourage flowering."
