Unlike the vast majority of herb species, basil is not satisfied with a nutrient-poor soil. As a heavy consumer, the Mediterranean herb plant thus occupies an exceptional position, which must be taken into account when choosing a location. Its optimum develops royal herb in this soil:
- nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil
- fresh-moist and well-drained
- a pH value of 6.5 to 7.5
If you plant basil outside in the bed, adding mature compost, cattle manure,(21,00€ at Amazon*) manure and sand will help improve the soil. If there is any doubt about the pH, a simple soil test from the garden center will tell you.
Herbal soil unsuitable as substrate
In pots, classic herbal soil will not meet the needs of basil due to its lean composition. Unless you have access to nutritious garden soil, compost-based potting soil is a good choice in this case. Supplements such as sand, perlite,coconut fiber or expanded clay provide the desired permeability.
