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Basil: An Herb Society of America GuideIndoor CultivationSoilThe best growing medium for starting basil actually isn't soil at all, but a soilless mix. Mark Langan of Mulberry Creek Herb Farm in Ohio, likes a peat and aged bark based potting soil since aged bark aids drainage and helps prevent root rot (51). Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay, authors and herbal experts, recommend a good sphagnum, perlite and wood chip mix and warn against "cheap" "garden center" brands. The mix should be pasteurized to ensure that it is free of pests and diseases (44). Pasteurized compost can also be added to enrich soil (8, 84). Tina Marie Wilcox of the Ozark Folk Center in Arkansas recommends pasteurizing homemade compost by steaming it in a garbage can with holes in the bottom for drainage. Pour compost into a garbage can through 1/2-inch hardware squares to remove large chunks. Add boiling water, mix with a fork or shovel and cover with the lid to steam. Tina repeats this process two more times to complete pasteurization, then allows the soil to cool for about an hour. This method serves the double purpose of pasteurizing and warming the soil. Basil does best in warm soil. If you are growing indoors, Tina suggests using an electric rubber heat mat to maintain a soil temperature of 70-72°F (84). Next topic: Light |
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