Mama Basil plant
The wonderful sunshine we’ve been having the past few days and exciting natural phenomenon like Sun-Still-Up-at-5:30 p.m, have got me itching to grow things. It’s still a little early to plant seeds here (though I’m sorely tempted), so I’ve been goofing around with my kitchen window plants.
Somehow, despite meager light, I’ve managed to overwinter basil — two plants! — from last summer. I started these from seed later in the year, so they never reached maturity outdoors. I brought them in to see if I could overwinter basil by giving it as much light as my house offers and occasional water. I’ve harvested a few leaves to flavor a stew or salad. Mostly I keep them going because they remind me of summer.
The Basil rooted easily in the gel pack.
A couple of weeks ago, while visiting my local big box for some lumber, I saw these gel packs in the garden section. You stick a cutting in the gel and wait for new roots to develop. I suspect this is usually used for houseplants, but what the heck. I cut a bit off one of the basil plants and stuck it in the gel. About a week later, these little leaves emerged, then roots! I plan to plant all three of the basil plants outdoors come May but for now, I’m enjoying the wonder of watching something — anything — grow!
Hello Mary,
I just found your delightful blog and happy to have done so. Start a basil cutting? Wow! Although I would love to try one of the gel packs, I’m elbow deep in seed starting mix and tiny heads of radish, mesclun, cabbage, sugar snap peas… are poking through.
Now I cannot get basil out of my thoughts. 😉 Diana