How do I keep basil plants alive?
+2
I have tried t keep a basil plant every summer for several years. I put the pot in different locations and they die within a couple of weeks. I love using it in recipes but think I am going to give up.
5 answers
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![Janet Pizaro]()
Janet Pizaro
on Jun 05, 2017
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-basil-in-containers-848215 -
![Lani Kenner]()
Lani Kenner
on Jun 06, 2017
Basil likes it hot and does well outside if the temp is above 50 degrees day and night. If using potting soil mix perlite in it or half potting soil and half cactus mix. I grow a row in my garden then in the fall dig the best one up and pot then move into the greenhouse for the winter. Keep it picked back so it doesn't bloom and don't over water. -
![Nancy Turner]()
Nancy Turner
on Jun 06, 2017
Maybe it isn't the right size pot, or are you over watering or under watering? I have noticed that my plastic pots don't need to be watered as often as my old red pots, they seem to dry out quicker than plastic. I put my basil in a self watering pot and it does real well. On hot days I frequently have to refill the reservoir each day, when I fill my self watering pots I know to check all my pots and know that the majority of them will need water. Have you tried cleaning out the pot real well and using new soil? Maybe there is something in the soil the basil doesn't like. -
![Landsharkinnc]()
Landsharkinnc
on Jun 06, 2017
Light soil, hot, direct sun at least six hours, water when dry, keep flower buds pinched back. -
![Dfm]()
Dfm
on Jun 07, 2017
most herbs like to have "dry feet" don't over water, ensure good drainage from the pot. my basil is in a 12 inch diameter self watering pot. the small 2 or 4 inch pots from the grower need to swapped out for the larger pot. if you don't have a self watering planter, you can fake it by using an old cake pan, making a wick out of a scrap of fabric. stick the wick in the planter part, pull it thru the drainage hole keeping 2 inches or so in the planter. fill with potting mix. put the cooling grate across the old cake pan filled with water, drop the wick into the water and set the plant on the cooling rack. using the wick system, you are less likely to over or under water. it can also be used for other plants if you are going out of town. my basil does well in the morning sun.
Janet Pizaro
on Jun 05, 2017
Lani Kenner
on Jun 06, 2017
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