Gardeners are being encouraged to buy a £1 pot of basil from the supermarket and propagate it indefinitely, according to gardening expert Simon Akeroyd. The former head gardener for the Royal Horticultural Society and National Trust shared a simple method on TikTok to turn a single pot into a lifelong supply.
Akeroyd advises cutting a fresh stem low on the plant, removing the lower leaves, and placing it in water. Once roots appear, the cutting can be transferred to soil in its own pot and placed on a windowsill. This process can be repeated indefinitely, as new plants can be propagated from the original.
The expert warns that supermarket basil plants are often weak due to overcrowding, making cuttings a better option than dividing the root system. He also suggests using the remaining supermarket plant for cooking or composting after taking cuttings.
Beyond culinary uses, basil plants are known to deter spiders, as the strong scent is unpleasant to arachnids. With a pot of living basil costing as little as £1.08 at Asda, this thrifty gardening tip offers both practical and aesthetic benefits.
