羅勒 Basil 栽種學問

2022.04.03

今天買了四盆 basil 種到 community garden。據說羅勒（basil）與西紅柿/番茄（tomato）栽種一起（稱為‘套種’或‘伴種’？）是經典中的經典。羅勒可以使西紅柿的味道變得更加鮮美。其次，羅勒生長在西紅柿周圍的底部，可以成為西紅柿天然的屏障，它的氣味也能吸引一些傳粉類昆蟲，而且還能有效的阻擋芽蟲的侵害。總得一句，羅勒和西紅柿是好朋友。

視頻：https://youtu.be/mDnADaPjrAQ

PLANTING BASIL 

Basil requires rich, fertile, well-drained soil and full sunlight. This Mediterranean herb doesn’t do well in temperatures below 60 F. (15 C.), and may be damaged below 50 F.(10 C.). Dig or till the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.), then work in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure before planting, along with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Sow basil seeds directly in the garden after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Cover the seeds with no more than ¼ inch (.5 cm.) of soil. Alternatively, plant seeds indoors three to four weeks before the last expected frost.

TIPS ON CARING FOR BASIL 

• Thin basil to a spacing of 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) when the seedlings have two to three pairs of leaves, not counting the tiny seedling leaves. Continue to thin the plants as they grow. By the time the basil is mature, the plants should be spaced about 12 inches (30 cm.) apart. 
• Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage healthy, bushy growth. 
• Remove flower buds as soon as they form. Allowing flowers to remain on the plant will diminish the flavor. 
• Water basil deeply every seven to 10 days. If you’re growing basil in containers, you’ll need to water more often – possibly every day if the weather is hot and dry. 
• Provide a light application of balanced, general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. If you’re growing in containers, use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every three to four weeks. 
• Remove weeds as soon as they appear by scraping the soil carefully with a hoe. Don’t allow weeds to remain because they will draw water and nutrients from the plant.

HARVESTING BASIL 

Harvest a few individual basil leaves from small plants as needed. Thereafter, harvest whole leaves and stems, using scissors or a knife to cut just above a set of leaves. You should see new growth emerge from the cut place in about a week. 

Cut the plant to the ground at the end of the season. （文章來源：https://www.promixgardening.com/en-us/tips/how-grow-basil-tips-planting-and-harvesting-89）