How to Grow Basil With Ash

Basil, whether used fresh or dried, is an essential culinary herb. It is a straightforward herb that even a novice can grow. Basil is an annual herb harvested for its flavorful leaves either in large quantities or just a few leaves. While basil can be grown in pots or in the ground, wood ash is frequently mixed into the soil to deter cutworms from harming your plant and potentially lessening your harvest. Growing basil with ash is a simple process requiring only one extra step during planting for a year of protection.

Hand trowel
Wood ash
Basil seeds or seedlings
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Dig an area that receives full sun, where you’ll be planting the basil, to loosen the soil or fluff the soil already poured into a pot. Plan to plant after all threat of frost has passed.
- 2
  Spread a 1/4- to 1/2-inch coating of wood ash over the soil area. Work the ash into the top 3 inches of soil to incorporate and disperse it evenly.
- 3
  Plant seeds into the soil only 1/4-inch deep and cover lightly or plant potted seedlings into holes equal in size to their current pots. Space multiple plants 10 to 12 inches apart.
- 4
  Water the basil well to moisten the soil. Water two to three times a week to prevent the soil from drying, keeping the upper inches of soil damp consistently for the first month after planting.
- 5
  Pinch off the tip of each stem once the plants are six weeks old and 6 inches tall. Make the pinch just above a set of leaves. Repeat this pinching every six weeks to encourage bushy growth.

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