Basil
Herbs · Ocimum basilicum · Mint family · Annual
Heat-loving herb; its scent helps repel pests from tomatoes and peppers.
How it grows
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Normal |
| Soil | any |
| Spacing | 25 cm |
| Rotation group | Heavy feeders (nightshades, squash, corn) |
| How to plant | seedlings |
| Green manure before it | White Clover |
| Protector plant | Marigold |
When to sow, by climate zone
| Zone | In the ground | Sow indoors | Sow again for autumn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 | mid-May – mid-Jun | mid-Apr | |
| Zone 6 | early May – late Jun | early Apr | |
| Zone 7 | mid-Apr – mid-Jun | mid-Mar | |
| Zone 8 | late Mar – late May | early Mar | |
| Zone 9 | early Mar – early May | early Feb | |
| Zone 10 | mid-Feb – mid-Apr | mid-Jan |
Dates for the average frost dates of each zone; the app works them out for your own town.
Protects: Aubergine (eggplant), Okra, Tomato