Growing Basil


"Let food be your medicine and your medicine be your food. Each one of the substances in a person's diet, acts upon the body and changes it in some unique way, and upon these changes the whole life depends, whether in health, in sickness or convalescent."  

Hippocrates 2 000 years ago.

Growing Basil

Growing Basil is an absolute must for anyone embarking on a journey of growing their very own herb garden.

Scientific studies have shown that the compounds found in this herb have, amongst other qualities, potent analgesic features.

We are breaking this very interesting information up as follows:

  • What you need to know when growing Basil.

  • Growing Basil for Home Remedies.

  • Basil in your cooking.

  • Basil and companion planting.

How do you Maintain a Basil Plant?

  • When growing this popular herb, it must be remembered that it is a tender annual which means it is a plant that germinates, flowers and dies all in one season.
  • It prefers semi-shade especially in midsummer.
  • You can sow the seeds towards the end of winter, but they will need to be protected from the cold and frost until all danger is past.
  • Use some germination soil and these seedlings will surprise you by popping their heads out within 7 days.
  • It can be propagated very easily from seed.
  • When growing This herb from seed, plant them in seed trays.
  • When the seedlings reach the four-leaf stage, they can easily be transplanted - 50 cm apart and watered regularly to promote growth.
  • It grows to between 30 and 60 cm in height.
  • The herb can be grown in pots.   When placed on windowsills they can brighten up the facade of any home, small or large.
  • Basil leaves should be harvested when they are young and can be stored for winter use by preserving half dried leaves in olive oil.
  • Seeds can be used in pot pourri and dried see heads in dry flower arrangements.
  • Leaves can be used for culinary, herbal and domestic requirements.


Growing Basil for Home Remedies

Basil is an aromatic soothing herb, which is a good source of beta-carotene.   It can be used for deficiencies in magnesium, potassium and calcium and makes an excellent herb for use in herbal remedies.
  • Basil is said to be a tonic to calm the nervous system and a natural tranquilizer.
  • Basil is well known as a digestion aid.
  • In the "good old days" it was used in a poultice to draw the poison from insect bites and stings.
  • Preparing Herbs will clearly show how a poultice can be made from crushed basil leaves.
  • Been irritated by flies? Then hang bunches of fresh basil in your cooking area - the flies will leave. 
  •  Bruise the leaves regularly to emit the smell that the flies cannot stand.
  • Dried basil stalks can be burnt on a fire to deter mosquitoes.
  • Leaves massaged into the scalp are said to be one of the best remedies for hair loss.
  • Try rubbing some fresh basil leaves into your temples to ease headaches.

Basil in your Cooking

  • Basil, the classic accompaniment to all tomato dishes that no self-respecting creator of Italian dishes should ever do without.
  • Add Basil to your salad dressings.
  • Basil is an essential requirement for pesto sauce used on all types of pasta.
  • Try a pesto sauce flavored with basil on top of baked potatoes - very very nice!
  • It can be added to soups and stews and gives tomato bredie (a well known South African dish) a really special taste.
  • Add finely chopped basil to your veggies like zucchini, brinjals and marrows.
  • Add finely chopped basil to your veggies like zucchini, brinjals and marrows.


  • Basil has a pungent spicy scent and brings out the flavors in many savory dishes, not just Italian.

  • Add Basil to your salad dressings.

  • Basil is an essential requirement for pesto sauce used on all types of pasta.

  • Try a pesto sauce flavored with basil on top of baked potatoes - very very nice!

  • It can be added to soups and stews and gives tomato bredie (a well known South African dish) a really special taste.

  • Add finely chopped basil to your veggies like zucchini, brinjals and marrows.


Basil and Companion Planting

Benefits of Tomatoes
  • You can happily plant basil between rows of tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers.
  • Basil augments their flavors and repels insects.



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