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On Basil, The Sweet & Sublimely Aromatic Summertime Essential

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by Lisa Giroday, Sandra Lopuch and Sam Philips | While holding back our typing fingers trying not to write another story about tomato season, we realized that we had completely forgot about another ingredient that is just as good: basil!

Basil, aka ocimum basilicum, should never be put on the back burner, ever. Who doesn’t love revelling in its sweet, aromatic goodness? We love mixing it in after-work drinks, making pesto with it, adding it to salads, and, of course, combining it with its best friend, the tomato. Panzanella salad, anyone? Gnocchi Pomodoro? Margherita pizza?

People often have issues with keeping basil plants alive, and that’s chiefly because people forget that basil requires full sun. Plant basil transplants in June, the same time you set out your tomato transplants. Because basil and tomatoes are companion plants, this works out well. Even better, at the same time you transplant basil, be sure to seed some, too. That way you’ll score a staggered basil harvest. You can seed basil outside as early as late May (if you want to start it indoors, you can start it as early as mid-April). And remember, if you don’t feel like running around naked outside at night, it’s not the time to transplant basil or tomatoes in your garden.

A little bit on harvesting right now: Pinch out the tips from the top down, and pinch down the stem right before you see two nodes of growth. By doing this, you will encourage the plant to grow bushier, and not “leggy”, thus producing more delicious basil leaves. And, if you see your basil flowering, which you are right now, harvesting in this way promotes more foliage. In the case of basil, the plant is not “spent” despite flowering.

Companion planting-wise, basil is a true hero. Its pest-repellant powers include warding off flies, mosquitoes, and thrips. Not only will it help out your tomatoes in a number of ways (including flavour enhancement), but it’s also a good companion to oregano, peppers, and asparagus.

We love good, classic Genovese basil, as well as the purple-leaved beauty called Red Rubin. If buying seeds for next season, you can also get a seed packet with a mix of a few types for good measure. Buon appetito in the meantime.

THE VICTORY GARDENS ARCHIVE