Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:33 pm
If the basil drops the leaves, it may be due to too much or too little water. Much damage to the plant can be avoided if the correct watering. What to look for in summer and winter, we reveal here.
Watering basil correctly
Watering basil from below
The plant, also known as Ocimum basilicum, does not tolerate being watered from above, so to speak. Therefore, the better option is to water it from below, or directly on the soil.
In a pot or tub, the plant can be placed in a bowl filled with water. The soil will soak up and feed the roots. If you have planted the aromatic herb outdoors, soak the soil but do not water it.
Watering intervals
Neither cold nor warm season basil has fixed watering intervals. Instead, the thumb test should be used to determine if it needs water. This is done by lightly pressing the thumb (or another finger) into the substrate for about two to three inches. If the soil is moist, no watering should be done. On the other hand, if it is dry, the above procedure should be followed to water it properly.
During the winter, the intervals are usually much longer, even if the herb pot is in the warm kitchen. Due to the reduced light and growth, the plant also consumes less water than in the summer months.
Soft water
In areas with hard tap water, it is better to use collected rainwater, aquarium water or pond water. This is not only softer and therefore more suitable for the lime-sensitive basil – especially pond and aquarium water also contains valuable nutrients. Since the basil is a strong grower, it can thus be easily fertilized and comprehensively supplied directly when watering.