3 Ways to Grow Basil Indoors

How to Grow Basil Indoors

Growing basil is a lot easier than it looks. In supermarkets and nurseries, you can purchase an already-growing basil plant or seeds. However, growing from seed does take longer. The seed germinates best in soil that is about 75-85°F and takes approximately 10-12 days to sprout. Keep in mind that basil does grow fast, so you will be able to trim leaves in no time. Let’s take a look at 3 ways to grow basil indoors.

1. Windowsill/Bright Window

Growing basil indoors on a windowsill that receives enough light is perfect if you don’t have a garden. Keep in mind that basil plants need 6–8 hours of sunlight each day.

Step 1: Choose a sunny window

First, choose a nice sunny spot by the window. Make sure that there are no cracks or holes in the window. The air could change the overall temperature, causing the plant’s growth to slow down.

Step 2: Plant the seed

Next, plant the seed in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Make sure that the container has drainage holes so that the water doesn’t get trapped and drown the roots. Place the seeds about a quarter of an inch deep. If you are growing multiple plants, be sure to space them out about an inch.

Step 3: Water and care regularly

Thankfully, basil plants are easy to care for; however, they can develop diseases and attract pests. You should water your basil plant more frequently in the summer, about once every other day. Additionally, if you have any children, you can add this step to their chore list. They will enjoy seeing how they have helped the plant to thrive.

Step 4: Trim as the plant grows

To maintain the plant and keep it growing fast, trim and use the leaves as needed. Any leaves that are wilting should be cut and removed.

2. Grow Lights

On the other hand, if you don’t have any windows or the windows don’t get enough light you can always use a grow light. These lights imitate sunlight to help your plants grow. They also come in various sizes and shapes.

Step 1: Set up your grow lights

When it comes to growing plants indoors, you need to recreate an outdoor environment. Depending on how much space you have and how many plants you want to grow, you first need to choose the right grow light. As mentioned earlier, these lights come in different sizes and shapes. Large grow lights can be set up on a stand, and smaller ones can be attached to the side of furniture.

Moreover, for leafy greens, it is best to use blue grow lights. However, there are grow lights with different functions to choose from to change the growing mode. Make sure the grow lights are about one foot higher than the plants. A common mistake for indoor gardeners is putting the grow lights too close to their plants. Too much direct light can cause yellowing of the leaves and heat burn. To make it easier, set up an automatic timer that turns the lights on and off for 12 to 14 hours.

Step 2: Plant the seeds

Next, plant the seeds into the soil. This step is the same as the one above under growing basil on a windowsill or near a window. Furthermore, grow basil in an open environment and avoid closed rooms and cupboards.

Step 3: Water and care regularly (fertilizer)

Then you will need to water your basil plant three to four times per week. Depending on the strength of the light and the season, you may have to water less. Additionally, to make sure your basil plant receives enough nutrients, add a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Step 4: Trim and general maintenance

At this point, your basil plant is beginning to thrive. As mentioned above, to promote growth, you will need to trim any wilting leaves regularly. If the leaves are left there to die, the plant will put its energy into those leaves, which is unneeded.

3. Hydroponics

If you don’t have a lot of space or live in an apartment or condo, then hydroponics is a cool way to grow your food. You can easily build your own or purchase a system. Like grow lights, they are available in different sizes. Some are small enough to sit on your kitchen counter.

Step 1: Set up the hydroponics system

First, follow the instructions and set up your hydroponics system. However, you generally begin by putting the system together and filling it up with water. Do not go over or under the water line. Next, add the plant food it comes with to the water or make your own. These nutrients will help it grow.

The system also comes with buttons you can click depending on what type of plant you want to grow. For example, you can choose flowers or vegetables. Although basil plants do flower, you’ll want to avoid pressing the flower option as the heat can trigger flowering, which prevents the leaves from growing. However, this is great only if you want to collect the seeds. Instead, choose the vegetable or leafy green option. Most hydroponics systems are on an automatic timer, so you don’t have to constantly turn the machine on or off.

Step 2: Sow basil seeds

Now that you have set up the system, you’ll need to use grow sponges. Put them in the machine and add two or three seeds to each grow sponge. Between three and seven days, you will notice roots. Next, thin out the seeds, as you will only be growing one per grown sponge.

Step 3: Feed and clean the system

When the water level drops, you will need to feed the system again with plant food. Always read the instructions of the system before using plant food.

Step 4: Trim and maintain your basil plants

Finally, you will need to adjust the grow light as the plant gets bigger. Then, to promote growth, remove any burnt or wilting leaves. Once the plant is too big, transfer it to a container and let it continue to grow outside or on the windowsill.