basil
So I bought a little basil plant at the market yesterday, thinking it had rather tiny leaves but probably just needed to grow a bit… turns out it’s a greek dwarf basil plant (like this one in the pic). But what the heck, should still make a nice pesto. What I’m confused about is the best place to put it on the terraza. The guy at the market said to keep it out of direct sunlight, but googling informs me that six hours of direct sunlight and lots of moist light soil is best. Help?
Meanwhile, have decided that this is the first step in setting up my rooftop herb garden. Am planning to also grow coriander and parsley – any other suggestions? May also have a go at growing some arrugula.
I’ve got some prettily painted clay planters upstairs, leftover from the previous tenant, which should work well. But any gardening tips about types of soil, sun, etc will be greatly appreciate.
we call arugula rocket over here. It grows like crazy in a pot so be prepared to eat a lot of delicious rocket salad
I bought a basil plant yesterday. In time, we’ll use the leaves but the main reason for getting it was to try out the theory that it keeps flies out of the kitchen.
Fresh herbs are wonderful!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/patiogarden_plantpotherbs1.shtml
In me experience mint keeps flies out of the kitchen, not sure that basil does.
Thyme works well as well – no gardening tips I’m afraid, water and see what happens just about sums up my approach.
We had fewer flies yesterday. Maybe I’ll get a mint too, to see off the remaining beasties
Have a peek at this http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/patiogarden_plantpotherbs1.shtml
Ooh, that looks good. Though of course they are referring to an English summer…
Yes; hot and dry; 28C last weekend, not rained since January…
I’ve found that googling plant care instructions almost invariably brings up sites that are geared towards a North American or UK climate – in which case, 6 hours of sunlight is probably great. But if you live in a more sunny clime, such as Seville or Sydney, I’d say that it would need sunlight, but definitely not strong direct sunshine, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Otherwise it will get singed and will need constant watering.
Good luck! Herbs are such fun to grow