Basil, familiar to us as regan or fragrant cornflower, has long been valued in many countries for its beneficial properties, bright, rich aroma and unique taste.
In order to fully enjoy all the pleasures of the plant, it is not necessary to spend energy on the search for fresh, fragrant herbs on the market.
Regan easily grows on the dacha beds and on the windowsills of apartments. The main thing to follow simple, but important rules for growing basil. The first thing you need to decide: where to plant basil in order to get a good harvest.
Where better to plant in the country - in the sun or in the shade?
According to some data, Africa is considered the birthplace of the basilica, on the other - Asia. Both continents differ in a hot climate, which implies a place for planting greenery. To get a fragrant bouquet of basil, you must select the most lighted place for the plant on the site. Regan is not at all afraid of direct sunlight, which cannot be said about drafts. The cold wind and low temperature can quickly destroy the cornflower.
Referring to the birthplace of basil, it is important to know how to water the plant. Regan moisture-loving greens, but you should avoid stagnating water. The soil should be moderately wet. On hot days it is necessary to moisten the soil twice a day: in the morning and at lunchtime. Do not water the bushes in the evening, as at night the evaporation of moisture is significantly reduced, forming a stagnant water. Excessive moisture contributes to the development of diseases.
What soil in the garden does Regan like?
When choosing a site it is very important to prepare the right soil.. Basil does not like sour soil, but it feels great in a land rich in organic matter. Light sandstone, loam - a great place for growing regan.
For a higher yield, several weeks before planting basil in open ground, you need to dig up the soil by 20-30 cm, removing the rhizomes of other plants, and then adding peat and organic fertilizer to the soil. In case of insufficiently fertile soil, it is necessary to fertilize the soil in the process of basil growth. Regan planted in early May needs to be fed monthly. Basil, planted in early June, requires fertilizing only twice: in early July and early August. Nitrogen fertilizers are best suited for top dressing.
To prepare the solution will require:
- 12 liters of water;
- 2 tbsp. Spoons nitrofoski.
The resulting liquid moisturize basil bushes in a ratio of 1m2 garden beds 3-4 liters of solution.
Also used ready-made mixtures that can be bought in specialized stores:
- Biohumus;
- Agrolife, etc.
The mixture is introduced into the soil in the ratio of 1 tsp. to the surface of the earth.
What kind of vegetables could grow on the site earlier, and how they affect regan?
When choosing a place to plant basil, it is important to remember which plants grew on this site earlier. It is not recommended to plant regan two years in a row in the same soil, as well as planted in the ground, where previously it grew beets.
But tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, potatoes, legumes are the best varieties of plants that precede the planting of basil, since these greens fill the soil with organic matter, so necessary for good growth of ragan.
Then you can not sow, and why?
Besides beetroot, daikon, radish and radish are not the best predecessors of basil. These cultures take from the soil trace elements necessary for good growth of the ragan. There is also a high probability of developing fusarium - the appearance of brown spots on the leaves. The soil after the listed plants will be suitable for seedlings of basil only after 3-5 years.
Experienced gardeners recommend planting basil in new fertile, loose soil every year.in which nothing grew before. Under such conditions, Regan will grow more fragrant and tastier.
Desirable and undesirable neighborhood in the open field
The aroma, which spreads from basil, acts on many plants as a repellent. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, cabbage will be rescued from the invasion of aphids and whiteflies if Regan grows nearby.
- Neighborhood of ragan and tomatoes will prevent the development of mold and powdery mildew, as well as improve the aroma and taste of tomatoes.
- Legumes growing close to Regan will be less likely to hurt and produce more crops.
- Sweet pepper will grow and develop faster if it is planted next to the cornflower.
Basil does not like the neighborhood next to:
- dill;
- cucumbers;
- radish;
- radish
Neighborhood with the listed plants is not acceptable for the reason that all these plants require about the same microelements and can also cause various diseases.
Where the plant is more comfortable at home - the choice of planting site
In order for the plant to feel good and give an excellent harvest, it is important to provide Regan with enough light. Southern or western windows are best suited. But when growing cornflower on the east or north side will require additional lighting. Also, additional lighting will not be superfluous in the winter time, as the length of the day plants 8-12 hours.
In addition to providing basil with light, it is important to protect the plant from drafts and to observe the temperature regime. It should vary from +20 to +25 degrees. As with outdoor cultivation, basil will need fertilizer and proper watering. A distinctive feature of growing basil on a windowsill is loosening the soil at least 1 time per week.
When growing on the balcony do I need to bring home at night?
When growing basil on the balcony, you need to monitor day and night temperature drops.
If night temperatures fall below +19 degrees, it is better to bring pots with plants into the house, and in the morning again put on the balcony. So basil will grow faster and be less prone to disease.
To obtain a good harvest of any plant requires proper soil, watering, lighting and timely fertilizer. Basil in this case is no exception. If you follow the simple rules described in the article for the cultivation of basil, then on your table will always be selected, fragrant, rich in useful elements of greens.
