Sweet basil

The sweet fragrance of Basil is so unforgettable that you will always want to have it growing in your garden. Basil is known in the botanical world as Ocimum basilicum. It is easy to grow and so rewarding. There are a great variety of Basil available. Sweet Basil is the one most commonly used.

You can plant the seeds in a seed tray or in a seedbed. The two first tiny leaves of that appear will make your heart sing. You know summer is on the way and that the Basil will be there to make it sweeter.
Once the seedlings have about 4-8 leaves they can be transplanted into bags, or into the place where they will reach maturity. If you choose to plant them in bags, allow the seedlings to reach 20cm before hardening them off. Hardening off is when you allow them to get used to the sun outside of your nursery.

When the basil is established, you should pick off the top leaves regularly so that it can become bushy. Basil enjoys lots of compost, to keep it really green and shiny. Give your Basil seedlings a few doses of liquid manure when you transplant them and fortnightly thereafter for about four weeks.

Basil grows very well with Tomato, Summer Savory, Cauliflower, Grapes, Peach and Apricot. Raspberry and Rue find it difficult to keep good company with Basil.

Basil has insect repellent properties and especially keeps, white flies, flies and mosquitoes at bay.

The medicinal uses of basil include keeping headaches, migraines and colds under control.

Sweet Basil is useful in the kitchen so pick it regularly during the summer to flavour your favourite dishes. Toward the end of the season, when the bushes are well established, you can pick bunches and hang them upside down to dry. That way, you ensure that you have a good supply of dried Basil for the winter.

The most delicious delicate flavour of Sweet Basil can be tasted in one of the favourite dishes in the kitchen.
Mushroom and Tomato Sauce with Basil
Oil for frying
1 Large Onion
Dollop of Butter
1 Punnet of Mushrooms
3-5 Fresh Tomatoes
1 Bunch of Sweet Basil
2 cloves of Garlic
Salt and Pepper

Heat the oil and fry the chopped onion, when the onion is slightly brown, add the mushroom and butter and fry till well browned, add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and add the freshly chopped Basil and Garlic. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste. Serve with pasta or rice.