How To Grow: Basil

Growing basil from seed is a fun and rewarding project that can be easily accomplished with Plant Seads' Garden in a Box: Herbs kit. Follow these simple steps to get your basil plants off to a strong start:

Step 1

Choose a sunny location for your vertical garden planters. Basil needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so a south-facing window or a sunny wall or fence is ideal.

Step 2

Install your Sead Pod vertical garden planters using the mounting holes, adhesive strips, or hangers provided in the kit. Make sure they are securely attached and level.

Step 3

Fill the planters with seed starting mix, making sure to leave a few inches of space at the top. Water the mix until it is evenly moist, but not soggy.

Step 4 

Plant your basil seeds a quarter of an inch deep and spacing them about an inch apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed starting mix and gently press down to ensure good soil contact.

Step 5

Water the seeds again, making sure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. For extra credit, place a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap over the top of the planters to create a mini greenhouse effect and help keep the soil moist.

Step 6

Keep the seeds moist and in a warm location (around 70-75°F) until they germinate, which should take about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic cover and place the planters in a sunny location.

Step 7

As the basil plants grow, water them regularly and fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Pinch off any flowers that appear to encourage leaf growth.

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With a little care and attention, you'll have a bountiful harvest of fresh basil in no time! Enjoy your homegrown herbs in salads, pesto, pasta dishes, and more.

Happy planting!