Another way to have fresh basil is to grow basil cuttings.
This is done once you have an established plant that you have grown either from seeds or from bought transplants at a local nursery.
This way, you do not have to spend money buying 2 or 3 transplants a year to replenish your basil garden.
If you do not have an established plant, then maybe a good neighbor or a friend that has the herb will be kind enough to give you one.
Creating basil cuttings Choose a branch that has new basil shoots at the end and has at least 3-5 inches of stem area.
You must cut this chosen stem with the use of a small, but very sharp knife.
Do not use scissors, and do not pinch them off as well as you will cause more damage to the stem tissues.
Using a sharp knife will lessen this probability.
The stems must be cut at the base of a node, the area where the stem and another branch or new leaves are starting to emerge.
After cutting, remove the large leaves at the middle of the stem.
This must be done to help prevent rapid evaporation of water during the rooting process.
Propagating basil cuttings Once you have created your basil cuttings, you have two options: one is to directly plant them in prepared soil, or soak the stems in water Soil rooting: Prepare a seedling container of at least 3 inches in size.
Place a mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost in the container.
Dip the ends of your cuttings in 100% pure honey.
The honey will act as an anti-microbial agent that will coat and protect the stems from disease.
Some also say it has some enzymes to help promote root growth.
After dipping the basil cuttings, create a deep hole of an inch or two at the center of your potting mix with the use of your finger or pencil and place in your basil cutting.
Cover with potting mix or compost and water well.
Give the soil a dose of weakly prepared fish or seaweed emulsion to promote root growth.
Always make sure that the potting medium is moist but not wet.
Your basil cuttings will wilt for a few days to a week, and eventually become established once roots are properly developed.
Water rooting: You can use ordinary tap water, but some experience problems with this as some have hard tap water.
Place the water in a small bottle or vase that has a narrow neck and place in your basil cuttings.
Others will tell you to keep the basil cuttings from direct sunlight, although I on the other hand, have successfully grown roots on my cuttings by keeping the glass in an area that receives 4 hours of direct morning sunlight in a day.
Expect roots to develop in two weeks.
Do not do the rooting process during the winter, or your roots will just rot and die.
However, if you cannot wait for doing so, make sure that you keep a warm environment for your basil cuttings.
Basil needs at least 77 degrees Fahrenheit of steady soil temperatures for proper growth.
Colder temperatures will only promote root rot and disease, as well as stunt the growth of your basil.
If you are successful with this procedure, you will have an established basil garden that is entirely propagated from basil cuttings.
Pictures can be seen at http://mayumimariegarden.
blogspot.
com/