Basil is one of the most popular herbs and gives many Italian dishes their aroma. It is often placed in pots on the windowsill, but can also be grown in a greenhouse. We show why this is the case and what advantages this method of cultivation has.
How to grow basil in a greenhouse?
In the greenhouse, basil can be grown in apartially shaded to sunny spot, a temperature of around 16 °C or more is ideal for the plant. The culinary herb can easily be cultivated under taller growing vegetables such as tomatoes.
Is the greenhouse a suitable place for basil?
Since basil likes to be warm, the greenhouse is avery suitable placeto grow it. The plant feels completely comfortable at temperatures of at least 16, preferably even 20 °C. However, it is important to note that excessive sunlight can also harm the basil. Bought basil plants can be planted in pots in the greenhouse or seeds can be sown.
When can basil be sown in the greenhouse?
Sowing basil in the greenhouse can be startedin March. The soil should be rich in nutrients and humus and always kept evenly moist.
What are the benefits of growing basil in a greenhouse?
Growing basil and other herbs in combination with taller plants in the greenhouse has the following advantages:
- Covering the ground area (so fewer weeds grow between the taller plants)
- Avoiding splashing water (Watering water does not splash from below on tomatoes, for example, and thus protects them from mold and fungal infestation)
- Avoidance of harmful waterlogging (the vegetables need to be watered heavily, but also draw a lot of water up into the plant through the deep roots)
What can basil be combined with in the greenhouse?
Best suited to be combined with basil, which is available in many different varieties, areTomatoesThis is very practical because there is more ground space under the taller growing tomatoes anyway is free and unused. Furthermore, the essential oils from the basil ensure that pests are at least partially kept away from the tomatoes. When planting, simply plant the tomatoes in May between the already lush basil bushes.
How large should the planting distance be?
Whether in raised beds, on the balcony or in the greenhouse - the correct planting distance is important so that the basil can thrive and delight with a rich harvest. If you have bought relatively largepotted plantsin the supermarket that you would like to plant, a distance of around25 centimetersis recommended. WhenSowingor planting cuttings,10 centimeters distance is sufficient.
Tip
Put in the pot in the greenhouse
If you want to grow basil outside, you should definitely wait until after the Ice Saints, otherwise the sensitive plant could freeze to death. Instead of sowing so late, the herb can be pre-cultivated in a pot in the greenhouse. A pleasant side effect is that the harvest time is significantly extended.