Category: Vegetables

It’s easy to root basil cuttings in water or potting mix. Expect the cuttings to root in two to four weeks. Can you root basil in water? When you basil plants are about 10-12 inches tall, cut them back to about 4 inches tall, leaving a few leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom of […]

Once grown to a large enough size, store bought basil can also be used to take cuttings. Propagating supermarket basil through cuttings is a relatively simple process. New cuttings can be placed into containers filled with soil, or simply allowed to root in a vessel filled with clean water. Can you plant basil from the […]

Good for your Hens Chicken speak, Basil promotes mucus membrane and respiratory system health, so adding some crushed basil to your chicken feed will keep your chicks clucky, and their egg yolks a radiant orange. (mix it with dill, thyme, clover and cinnamon for a superfood boost!) Can chickens eat raw basil? Chickens need essential […]

In addition to mint, most rats and mice are put off by strong herbal scents, such as basil, echinacea, garlic, and thyme. To keep away the rodents, plant a border of these herbs around the outside of your garden. Can rats eat basil leaves? ​Basil (leafy green – herb) – Both the leaves and the […]

Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and most animals are discouraged by aromatic plants like strong herbs (basil, lavender, rosemary); plants with spines like Prickly Pear; plants with tough leaves (lamb’s ear); or plants with milky sap, like Milkweed. Will rabbits eat basil? Safe Herbs Some herbs are safe for rabbits, and many are found in local stores […]

Basil. Squirrels are among a long list of animals that enjoy eating basil. This plant comes in many varieties and is easy to digest, so it’s no surprise that squirrels take a particular liking to the herb. Do squirrels eat basil? Do squirrels actually eat herbs? Squirrels eat some mild, leafy herbs such as cilantro, […]

How to Grow Basil in Water in Easy Steps Take several cuttings from an existing basil plant. Now, place the cuttings in a clean, transparent glass jar and fill it with non-chlorinated water in a way that only 2/3 (60-70%) part of the stem from the bottom submerges in water. Can you put basil in […]

Basil plants do not like to sit in wet soil and will start to wilt if the roots are sitting in water. Stick your finger in the soil to check before watering. If it is dry an inch down, then your basil needs to be watered. If you are still having problems with overwatering, check […]

Improper watering – Root rot, a result of too much water, is one of the most common reasons for yellow leaves on basil plants. Water basil only when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) of soil is dry, and remember that slightly dry soil is healthier than soggy soil. How do you fix […]

Fresh Herbs Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme all have a very pungent aroma when grown fresh and picked fresh, making them an excellent addition to gardens that you’d like to keep dogs out of. The abundant presence of volatile aromatic oils in these herbs is what gives them their dog-deterring power. What scent do dogs […]

Adult cabbage loopers are moths that lay their hundreds of eggs in deposits of up to seven eggs at a time on sweet basil plants. Within four days, the hatched larvae chew and consume leaves. What are basil mites? Spider mites suck out the basil’s vital plant juices. Feeding can cause tiny, light spots on […]

Plant strong smelling herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, alliums, camphor plant, elderberry, euphorbias and wormwood in garden areas or outside near the house. You can also use any of these these herbs, fresh or dried, in the inside of a house. What herbs keep away mice? Mice have very sensitive noses and will not nest […]

While basil is a natural repellent to many pests, such as flies, hornworms and mosquitoes, the pungent herb is susceptible to some pests, including aphids, fungus and Japanese Beetles, and you’ll want to control those tormentors. Can basil be used as a pesticide? The intense scent and oil in basil and many other herbs are […]

Substances in certain plants are known to affect insects’ sensors. Basil has four of these substances, making it a good repellent for cockroaches, mosquitos, and other pests. Does basil keep roaches away? In summary, the best plants that repel roaches and pesky insects are as follows: Basil plants, because they release a smell similar to […]

Basil compliments a variety of dishes but is also good at repelling pests such as mosquitoes and houseflies. Importantly, basil works as a bug repellent when crushed. How do I use basil as insect repellent? Instead of spraying yourself with DEET or other chemicals, simply crush a few basil leaves and rub them on your […]

If you’re wondering, here’s a list of insects that eat basil leaves and are the most likely culprits: Slugs and snails. Caterpillars. Aphids. Bush crickets (katydids) Japanese beetles. Leafhoppers. Leaf miners. Spider mites. Does basil attract anything? What animals and insects eat basil? Aside from people, there are a variety of things that eat basil. […]

Basil also acts as a good insect repellent for flies and mosquitoes. Very useful using fresh leaves rubbed on the skin. Does basil attract anything? What animals and insects eat basil? Aside from people, there are a variety of things that eat basil. Japanese beetles, slugs, and aphids are the most common basil pests. Other […]