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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2006 10:04:16 GMT
Ok, what is wrong with me? why can I not keep a supermarket bought potted Basil alive for longer than 7 days?  ? |
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Post by sweetleaf on Dec 19, 2006 10:12:51 GMT
It was probably abused before you got it, TJ ..they sell plants quickly in supermarkets because no-one waters/cares for them, its probably not your fault.
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Post by sleepysunday on Dec 19, 2006 10:15:47 GMT
I always find basil difficult to keep. But then again I am lousy with houseplants generally.
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Post by Rosefriend on Dec 19, 2006 10:26:56 GMT
I have never had any luck whatsoever with Basil, - either from a Supermarket, GC or sown in the garden/pot.
I would love to be able to keep it - such a good herb for pasta and tomatoes etc but how?
Up to now I have either kept throwing the old (less than a week) plant away or I use dried Basil.
Rosefriend
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Post by sleepysunday on Dec 19, 2006 10:31:49 GMT
That's what I find with basil. It seems to look limp and unhappy for a week or two and then dies, regardless as to how I look after it.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Dec 19, 2006 10:42:53 GMT
... though not so easy as most herbs, generally have found that it's cold / overwatering / watering from the 'top' that shortens their shelf life:
At his time of year: warm location, sunny windowsill, don't allow to dry, water when needed by standing in a container of tepid water until refreshed - but don't leave standing in water...
OM
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Post by Rosefriend on Dec 19, 2006 10:50:30 GMT
Does Basil absolutely have to have a sunny position? My kitchen faces North so sun is out, and having a Basil plant in the Lounge - well wouldn't quite fit in with the rest of the plants - Orchids.
Rosefriend
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Post by Plocket on Dec 19, 2006 10:58:32 GMT
I don't think basil needs masses of sun, but a bright windowsill, and don't leave it too close to the glass because they really don't want to be cold. A warm bright spot is better than a sunny spot. And water it well - it likes lots of water! Hope that helps!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2006 17:52:28 GMT
Supermarket plants are usually forced artificially and never last long out of the shop. I find from seed, in the conditions you intend to keep the plant, is usually best (in my experience anyway - and the wife's Italian so I always have to have a supply!)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2006 8:14:55 GMT
I find Basil easy to keep but not so easy during the winter.  I tend to keep it in it's wrapper this time of year and try to remember to remove it from my kitchen window sill at night - as it hates drafts.  |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2006 8:13:06 GMT
I think the smaller pots are better to, they have not been so stressed presumably and seem to keep going better. I don't think they are very keen on gas either, too near the cooker isnot good.
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Post by Cheerypeabrain on Dec 22, 2006 1:10:04 GMT
Ok, what is wrong with me? why can I not keep a supermarket bought potted Basil alive for longer than 7 days? ? Have you tried 'bush basil', or 'Greek Basil'? I grew some last year as an annual....it grows into a little ball shaped bush, the leaves are tiny but taste great and still have the distinctive basil smell. I've got a few seeds left if you'd like some....just PM me your postal address (in strict confidence of course) and I'll send you some in the new year. They grow on the windowsill really well once germinated. ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Dec 22, 2006 8:34:18 GMT
Basil is phenomenally difficult to keep after the summer heat and light have gone. It is a mediterrranean (sp?) plant after all. It is extremely tender and sensitive to draughts. It really is a sun plant and I personally don't think it's really worth the effort to keep indoors in winter. It will always struggle in my experience and looks really manky! Maybe it's better to make pesto, freeze the leaves in ice cube trays or dry it in the summer when the flavour is at its most intense. As mentioned above supermarket herbs have been forced to perform and really need to be transplanted as soon as bought and kept in bright sunshine and heat.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2006 9:42:54 GMT
Oooo, that would be fantastic CPB thanks, pm on its way  |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2006 9:46:03 GMT
uummmm, excuse me? someone very stupid here, how the hell do you do a pm? I can reply to one already sent to me but don't know how to start one  |
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Post by Spruance on Dec 22, 2006 10:26:12 GMT
uummmm, excuse me? someone very stupid here, how the hell do you do a pm? I can reply to one already sent to me but don't know how to start one The easiest way is to just click on their name which takes you straight to their profile. Then just click 'Send Personal Message' The other way is to go to the PM area, click New Message and type in their username (not the display name) in the 'To:' box. So for instance, to send a PM to WelshBlue, you need to type in owainglyndwr, or for BusyBee it would be greety. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2006 10:36:30 GMT
Thank you Spruance, my own dimless really does stun me sometimes  I have managed to send a pm to CPB now but, I can;t work this out?? to send a PM to WelshBlue, you need to type in owainglyndwr, or for BusyBee it would be greety. Errrmmm, why not use their name??  |
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Post by sweetleaf on Dec 22, 2006 11:21:18 GMT
I usually just click on the little printer icon, under the name on a message, and bobs your mothers brother so to speak !
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2006 15:21:42 GMT
Thank you Spruance, my own dimless really does stun me sometimes I have managed to send a pm to CPB now but, I can;t work this out?? to send a PM to WelshBlue, you need to type in owainglyndwr, or for BusyBee it would be greety. Errrmmm, why not use their name?? Busy Bee for example, used greety when she first registered as a member then changed her user/display name to Busy Bee  You could change your displayed name to trunky but any PM's to you would have to be sent to your registered name trunkyjo  |
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Post by Cheerypeabrain on Dec 22, 2006 16:22:38 GMT
It worked cos I got the personal message ;D
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