Many housewives learn the cultivation of fresh greens, arranging improvised beds directly on the windowsill. A short period of vegetation of basil allows you to harvest all year round, besides for seasoning salad or first dishes do not need to go to the supermarket or market. In our article we will describe how and what varieties are to be grown at home from seed.
Table of contents
Is it possible to grow basil on the windowsill
One of the popular types of greenery is basil. It is successfully grown in pots right at home in the kitchen or apartment balcony. For beginners home gardening is recommended to start with this spice, as it unpretentious care.
The grass feels great indoors, giving a generous harvest. Terms of planting and harvesting the leaves are not limited to any dates, basil grows well in summer and winter. The article describes in detail the rules of agricultural engineering and other features of home-grown.
What sort to choose to grow at home
Those who wish to get a green bed directly on the windowsill, can be used for sowing any variety. However, given the characteristics of home cultivation and limited space, preference should be given short beam-forming varieties basilica
Dwarf
Compact bush with small leaves reaches the height of only 8-10 cm (vegetation 60-65 days).Suitable for cultivation in open ground and in room conditions, where forms leaves year-round.
The plant is used as a seasoning, has an excellent taste, but in addition to these advantages it has a rich vitamin composition, rich in beneficial micro and macro elements.
Eating green has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, strengthens the protective function of the body.
Marquis
Basil is a medium term of aging with a vegetation of 65 days. The aroma of the grass is saturated with clove-pepper aroma, the leaves are small green. Bush height does not exceed 25 cm. In diameter, branching is about 20 cm, which makes it possible to grow a culture in pots.
With proper agrotechnology, plants can be removed. 100-120 gr. greenery. In addition to the application for different dishes, the Marquis will complement the drinks (tea, cocktails) with a delicate and exquisite taste.
Preparing the soil for planting
For planting basil need pots, wooden boxes or plastic containers. Prerequisite is the presence of drainage holes at the bottom of the tanks. The volume of the pot is selected within 1-2 literscontainer depth - more than 15 cm.
Can be used universal soil or prepare the substrate with your own hands. The following options are ideal for basil:
- universal soil + garden soil + peat (1: 1: 1);
- vermicompost + substrate for indoor plants (1: 4);
- peat, fertile soil, compost (1: 2: 0.5).
Used soil is necessary ignite in the oven for disinfection (1 hour at a temperature of 100 degrees).
Filling the container with the substrate should be performed in the following sequence:
- the bottom is covered with pebbles or expanded clay 2-3 cm (drainage);
- the next layer of soil (to the edges of the pot does not reach 3-4 cm).
Sowing seeds
Seeds before planting must be processed. Although this stage is considered optional, when buying material from unfamiliar producers or from the hands, the probability of infection of young shoots with fungal diseases is high.
Disinfection is carried out using weak solution of potassium permanganatein which you need to soak the seeds for 2 hours. After processing, the seeds are washed with clean water and laid out on gauze to dry.
One day before landing you need spray the soilso as not to overwet it.
The seeding process includes:
- plant the seeds with tweezers at intervals 2 cm apart;
- powder layer of soil 1-2 cm;
- making a cover of glass or plastic film (transparent).
Capacity for germinating seeds is placed in a warm place. Periodically you will need to open the film or glass for ventilation. Watering at this stage is not needed. However, if overdrying of the soil is noticed, you can lightly spray the improvised bed with warm, settled water (preferably thawed).
The first shoots appear after 7-15 days, depending on the variety and temperature. After the emergence of mass shoots need to remove the shelter. And when the seedlings stretch a little, you can safely thin the bed, leaving 10 cm between the shoots. After the basil has grown to 5-7 cm, it is necessary to pour soil into the container (2-3 cm).
Rules for the care of basil when growing
With proper farming, if properly maintained, and the right choice of seed varieties, you can cut fresh greens almost all year round.One of the main conditions is temperature, it must comply 20-25 degrees. If the figure is any lower, then the grass loses its flavor.
Watering
The soil mixture should always be wet, but you should avoid stagnating water in it. During the summer period, it is necessary to perform the daily humidification procedure by spraying bush.
With regular use, yellowness appears, the leaves sometimes curl. Thawed liquid or settled rain water is more suitable. Her temperature should be within 18-22 degrees. Watering with cold water inhibits the development of plants, in particular the root system.
In winter, irrigation should be less frequent, 2 times a week will be quite enough. But in any case it is important to take into account the degree of dryness of the soil.
Lighting
For the normal growing season of basil is required 12 hour natural light. Between March and August, there is ample sunshine around the window, and from autumn to February, it is better to install a fluorescent lamp over the improvised garden bed for additional light.
The distance between the plants and the lighting device is 20-30 cm.
Loosening
Soil loosening procedure is performed. 1 time in 3-4 days to enrich it with oxygen. In hot weather, when there is dry air, it is necessary to loosen the soil more often so that no earth crust forms on the surface.
Feedings
To stimulate the growth of grass leaves Once a month to make complex fertilizers. The first time the plant is fed at the stage of active growth before flowering. In 5 liters of water dilute 1 tbsp. l nitrofoski.
Repeated procedures are carried out using universal fertilizers based on humates and compost. At cultivation of working solution the dosages specified by the producer are observed.
Harvesting
To extend the life cycle of the plant and maximize the preservation of aroma in the leaves is recommended regularly remove flowering shoots.
Start forming a bush after the formation of 4-6 leaves (approximately 1-1.5 months after sowing). At this stage, pinch the top of the basil (2-3 leaves from the top of the stem). This procedure contributes to branching and leafing.
Cut tops with greens used for culinary purposes or dried for a long shelf life. Chopped fresh basil leaves can also be frozen and then used to prepare different dishes. You need to repeat the procedure with pinching every 2-3 weeks.
Growing greens on the windowsill can be a real hobby for the household. In addition, pots with basil bushes have a decorative value, they bring a piece of nature and freshness to the interior.