Following Alan Titchmarsh's basil growing advice has transformed my plant into a thriving, vibrant herb, ideal for topping pizzas and salads.
Basil is one of Britain's most beloved herbs, prized for its adaptability and aromatic foliage. Gardening authority Alan Titchmarsh recently shared his essential guidance for cultivating robust basil in a YouTube video for GrowForItHQ.
Key Tips from Alan Titchmarsh
He said: "Basil plants need plenty of sunlight and are prone to fungus if they're planted too close together."
"So I'm spacing my plants 10cm apart so they get air circulating around them."
"It's a wonderful job doing this. You get glorious aromas assailing your nostrils. It tends to be one of those herbs that loves it warm and sunny and then shrivels up come the colder weather, but when it's like this, perfect basil weather."
My Experience Applying the Advice
Taking Alan's guidance on board, I divided my basil plant to give each stem more room and improve airflow. I also relocated it to a sunnier position where it could absorb ample sunshine, which basil requires to prosper.
Throughout warmer spells, I have ensured the plant receives regular watering to prevent the soil from becoming parched. This is particularly crucial given that it is growing in a container, which tends to dry out more rapidly than plants in beds.
Visible Results and Further Plans
Since implementing these straightforward adjustments, my basil has appeared considerably healthier and more robust, displaying far more vibrant foliage. To promote bushier growth, I also intend to nip the tops of the stems off rather than allowing the plant to grow excessively tall.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), basil plants grown in containers can become depleted of nutrients, making it essential to use an organic-based, balanced liquid fertiliser to stimulate leafy growth. They added: "Avoid using potassium-rich fertilisers like tomato feed, as these encourage flowering."
