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 Lets Grow Some
Basil 
Sweet Basil
Although basil is one of the
easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow, we get a lot of questions about
cultivation from the home gardener. Often here in California folks plant it a
bit too early, and the plants languish and die. Its just not warm enough. Basil
is susceptible to fusarium wilt, a seed and soil borne disease that is tricky to
control. Over watering can contribute to its spread, as well as planting in our
cool moist springs. Wait for April or even May depending on the prevailing
weather pattern. If you've had problems in the past, plant your basil in a new
area with rich well drained soil using a slow release organic fertilizer. Water
deeply, preferably in the morning, allowing the surface of the soil to dry to
about an inch down between waterings. even in the early stages after
transplanting, you must be careful not to over water. Also, choose fusarium
resistant varieties and feed regularly to help boost the plant's vigord. Later,
when established and the summer warms up you want to be sure you still water
regularly, but still give it that good deep soak. Later on you will want to give
the plants a nitrogen boost and keep the flowers pinched back to promote full
plants with lush foliage.
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