How to Grow Basil

Choose a spot in your garden that is sunny, however basil will also do well in a partly shaded position.

Sow seeds into well drained soil, enriched with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Keep the soil moist and mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugarcane or lucerne. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food to promote lots of healthy green leaves.

Water the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.

Choose a spot in your garden for your pot that is sunny however basil will also do well in a partly shaded position.

Sow seeds into quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Keep the soil moist and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food to promote lots of healthy green leaves.

Water in the morning at the base of the plant rather than the leaves to help prevent leaf diseases.

• Pinch out the tips of plants to encourage a bushy habit and remove any flowers that start to form.

• Harvest leaves regularly to encourage more foliage.

• Feed regularly to promote an abundance of lush green leaves.

• For maximum flavour, pick basil leaves in the morning after the dew dries, but before the day heats up.

Basil is best grown in the warmer months. They will die off in winter and are best replanted in spring.

When Basil is overwatered, if there has been heavy rain, or if they aren't getting enough sun and are sitting too wet, the leaves develop brown spots, the plant may start wilting, and the plant eventually rots.

Only water when the potting mix starts to dry out, and move to a warm, sunny and protected position.

There are a few garden pests that chew holes in Basil leaves including Snails and Slugs, Caterpillars, and Beetles.

To control Snails & Slugs near Basil plants Sprinkle Yates Snail & Slug Bait.

To control Caterpillars on Basil plants spray with Yates Nature's Way Caterpillar Killer - Dipel.