Basil

[tasha]

I have been growing Basil and wow what a wonderous plant because it goes so fast and spreads so well I have enough here to make tons of pesto!! If you are wanting to grow Basil it looks like shade is a good idea for it.

 

[Greenhorn]

Basil is a wonderful and interesting plant. It can grow in sun and dappled shade. At the moment I have 15 kinds growing, at the moment they are all 2" tall. There is so much you can do with it too. Here is a link to some good Basil info.
http://www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/Basil Guide.pdf

 

[Beth_B]

@Greenhorn, no, wait, what? Fifteen varieties?

I've only grown Thai and sweet basil (this year only the sweet) and love it. I'd love to hear more about yours!

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Love the offerings of seeds found in John Scheepers Kitchen garden. they have 10 types of basil. It is worth the look if you want unique veggie seeds in general.

 

[Corzhens]

We have sweet basil given by a friend. We actually do not know what Basil is although we know it is an herb. We planted it in the planter box in the front yard. It is prospering and it really looks healthy. But our question is this - what is the use of Basil in the kitchen?

Here is a photo of our Basil...

 

[Beth_B]

@Corzhens, if you google you'll find many ways to use basil in cooking! If I'm cooking anything with a tomato sauce, I'll tear up (better then chopping, more flavour) leaves and add at the end. Also much used in Thai cooking. You can make pesto and freeze it. When I start getting tomatoes, I'll make fresh salads with chopped tomatoes, basil leaves and mild white cheese. Also good added to scrambled eggs.

Pinch the tops off of your plants periodically, especially if they start to flower. They'll get much bushier.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

We have sweet basil given by a friend. We actually do not know what Basil is although we know it is an herb. We planted it in the planter box in the front yard. It is prospering and it really looks healthy. But our question is this - what is the use of Basil in the kitchen?
.

Really, OMG. OK. Fresh Garden Tomatoes and Basil and mozzerella cheese and good olive oil, little salt and pepper. Basil in tomato gravy sauce for on top of pasta, make Pesto with it, Basil in cauliflower pasta sauce, Basil in soups, Basil on eggs, Basil in salads, Basil and olive oil on pasta, and some cheese, Crushed Basil in a drink

 

[claudine]

I love basil too It's such a wonderful herb, it smells amazing and grows really fast. There is nothing more delicious than pizza with tomatoes, cheese and dried basil

 

[Esther Knapicius]

you can use fresh basil on pizza too. A good smear of pesto on fresh baked pizza dough, yumm. Pesto folded into fresh cooked pasta, yum. yes you can freeze pesto, I make a lot and break off from a frozen hunk the portion I need, let that thaw.

 

[headfullofbees]

We have sweet basil given by a friend. We actually do not know what Basil is although we know it is an herb. We planted it in the planter box in the front yard. It is prospering and it really looks healthy. But our question is this - what is the use of Basil in the kitchen?

Here is a photo of our Basil...View attachment 7561

A handful of Epsom salts in the can next time you water will make it look even better.

 

[Corzhens]

@Corzhens, if you google you'll find many ways to use basil in cooking! If I'm cooking anything with a tomato sauce, I'll tear up (better then chopping, more flavour) leaves and add at the end. Also much used in Thai cooking. You can make pesto and freeze it. When I start getting tomatoes, I'll make fresh salads with chopped tomatoes, basil leaves and mild white cheese. Also good added to scrambled eggs.

Pinch the tops off of your plants periodically, especially if they start to flower. They'll get much bushier.

We are scheduled to cook spaghetti in the middle of July for a birthday. Do you think it is a good idea to mix chopped basil with the spaghetti sauce? But maybe I can try it first in scrambled egg or an omelet before I use it in my planned spaghetti. We cook a big amount of sauce that is good for 2 kilos of pasta.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

We are scheduled to cook spaghetti in the middle of July for a birthday. Do you think it is a good idea to mix chopped basil with the spaghetti sauce? But maybe I can try it first in scrambled egg or an omelet before I use it in my planned spaghetti. We cook a big amount of sauce that is good for 2 kilos of pasta.

will be just fine. I do it all the time.

 

[zigs]

Slugs eat all mine

 

[DeborahJane]

Really, OMG. OK. Fresh Garden Tomatoes and Basil and mozzerella cheese and good olive oil, little salt and pepper. Basil in tomato gravy sauce for on top of pasta, make Pesto with it, Basil in cauliflower pasta sauce, Basil in soups, Basil on eggs, Basil in salads, Basil and olive oil on pasta, and some cheese, Crushed Basil in a drink

My mouth is watering, its all sound yummo!!! and the scent as well. I can't seem to grow basil, gets eaten and doesn't thrive. Shame as I love it.

 

[Trellum]

I am planning to grow basil, but to be honest I feel a bit discouraged because the last time I tried to propagate it, they did take, but the cuttings didn't grow bigger. They were from the supermarket, basically leftovers, but I had read somewhere this could be done. I tried, they did take, but did't grow bigger I just got a skinny plant.