Growing basil in a greenhouse is an easy way to enjoy the fragrant herb year-round. Basil can quickly be grown indoors, regardless of the weather outside.
It doesn’t require much maintenance and can provide plenty of delicious leaves for salads, sauces, and more!
In this article, we’ll explore how to grow basil in a greenhouse so you can enjoy its flavor all year round.
Basil is a popular herb that adds a unique flavor to many dishes. Its distinctive aroma and taste make it a favorite among chefs and home cooks.
Not only is it tasty, but it’s also straightforward to grow in a greenhouse.
With some preparation and care, you can have fresh basil on hand whenever needed! Keep reading to learn how to get your basil plants off to a great start.
Let’s start by discussing the various basil varieties that can be grown in a greenhouse. Next, we’ll review the basics of planting basil in a greenhouse. Finally, I’ll give you some tips on harvesting basil from your greenhouse.
Basil Varieties
Growing basil in a greenhouse can provide you with countless varieties of this fragrant herb. From sweet Genovese to spicy Thai, there is something for everyone’s palate.
To get started, you’ll need to purchase some basil seeds or seedlings from your local garden center or order them online.
You will then need to select the best spot in your greenhouse that is well-lit and provides adequate drainage so your herbs don’t become waterlogged.
With the proper care and attention, it won’t be long before you harvest an abundance of fresh basil!
Planting Basics
Once you have the right spot in your greenhouse, planting is time.
When planting basil, use high-quality potting soil and ensure it is moist but not saturated with water.
After adding the potting soil to your container or pots, sow the seeds or place your seedlings and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil.
Place the pots somewhere with plenty of sunlight, and remember to water regularly.
With these basics, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting fresh basil soon!
Harvesting Tips
Now that you have planted your basil, it’s time to discuss harvesting tips.
Harvesting basil is vital to keeping your plants healthy and productive, so it’s essential to get it right.
To harvest basil, wait until the plant has at least 6 leaves before cutting off the stems just above a leaf joint.
When you do this, new growth will form, and you can begin harvesting again.
Remember that the plant may not produce more leaves if you harvest too often.
Taking care of your basil plants is easy when you use these simple tips, so go ahead and enjoy your garden-fresh basil!
Ideal Conditions For Growing Basil In A Greenhouse
Temperature is critical when growing basil in a greenhouse. It should be kept between 65-85°F for optimal growth.
Humidity should be kept between 50-70% to prevent the basil from wilting.
Adequate lighting is necessary, so provide the basil with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Basil requires rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Water the basil regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Air circulation is essential to prevent disease and mildew, so make sure air is circulating throughout the greenhouse.
Pest control is also essential, as basil can be susceptible to insect damage. Fertilize the basil with a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks.
Basil can be grown in containers, but they are placed on trays to ensure any excess water can drain away. Pruning is essential to keep the basil from becoming overgrown.
When harvesting, pick the leaves from outside the plant first. Propagate the basil by taking cuttings from the stems.
Provide shade for the basil if the greenhouse gets too hot or there is too much direct sunlight. Pollination can be done by hand with a small paintbrush.
Make sure the greenhouse is sufficiently ventilated to prevent any build-up of heat.
Temperature
Growing basil in a greenhouse requires the perfect temperature.
The warm air inside should never drop below 15°C, as this can stunt growth.
During the day, temperatures should stay around 25°C; at night, they can dip a few degrees lower.
A greenhouse is great for keeping temperatures consistent throughout the season, and by using an automated thermostat, you can easily maintain ideal temperatures for your basil crop.
So you’ll be harvesting fresh leaves all summer long!
Humidity
Humidity is also essential for growing basil in a greenhouse.
You’ll want to keep the air at around 40-50% humidity throughout the day, with some humidity drops overnight.
A humidifier can help keep the levels consistent and ensure your basil plants get enough moisture to grow and thrive.
With the right combination of temperature and humidity, you’ll enjoy fresh basil all season long!
Lighting
Lighting is also crucial for successful basil growth. You’ll want to use a grow light that provides plenty of direct suns, but not too much, as this will scorch the leaves.
The light should be bright enough to allow your basil to photosynthesize and create energy but not so strong that it will overheat the greenhouse.
Placing the light in an area with good air circulation can help prevent overheating and keep humidity levels consistent.
With the right light, your basil plants will have everything they need to thrive!
Soil
Now that we’ve covered the importance of lighting, it’s time to talk about soil.
Good soil for basil should be light and well-draining, so seedlings can easily take root in the pots.
To provide adequate plant nutrients, you must ensure plenty of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss.
And don’t forget to mix in a slow-release fertilizer to keep your basil healthy and to grow.
With this combination of soil ingredients, your basil will have the perfect environment for growth and development.
Preparing The Greenhouse
Let’s talk about choosing the right location and preparing the soil for growing basil in a greenhouse. We’ll need to take all these factors into account if we’re going to have a successful crop.
Choosing The Right Location
Finding the perfect spot for your sweet and Genovese basil in the greenhouse can be challenging.
You’ll want to pick an area with plenty of sunshine, preferably 8-10 hours daily.
Make sure there is good air circulation and that you have enough room to fit all your plants without overcrowding them.
It would be best to consider temperature, especially during the winter months.
The best temperature range for optimal growth is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember these tips when deciding where to place your basil garden in the greenhouse, and you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown herbs in no time!
Preparing The Soil
Now that you’ve found the perfect spot for your basil, the next step is to prepare the soil.
To ensure healthy, vibrant plants, you’ll want to ensure the soil has a pH between 6.2 and 7.0. If necessary, use lime or sulfur to adjust the pH accordingly.
Additionally, when planting lemon basil or Genovese basil, be aware of fusarium wilt caused by certain soil types.
To avoid this issue, plant in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss.
With extra preparation and care, you can create an ideal environment for your basil plants to thrive!
Planting And Caring For Basil In A Greenhouse
Let’s start by discussing planting basil in a greenhouse – we’ll need to discuss soil type, light and temperature requirements, and the best time to plant.
Then we can move on to caring for the basil, like watering and fertilizing it, as well as how to manage pests and diseases.
Planting Basil
If you want to grow basil in a greenhouse, planting is the first step!
Planting basil seedlings or sowing seeds directly into the soil are excellent options.
When planting, it’s important to space your basil seedlings at least 8 inches apart for proper air circulation.
If you’re sowing seeds directly, spread them thinly and lightly cover them with soil.
You can also help your basil plants get off to a good start by adding some compost or aged manure to the soil.
With regular watering and plenty of sunlight, your basil plants will grow strong quickly!
Caring For Basil
Once the basil is planted, it’s time to start caring for it!
During the growing season, water as needed and provide plenty of sunlight.
Depending on your variety of holy basil, you may need to prune it back every few weeks.
Additionally, adding fertilizer or compost to the soil can help keep your plants healthy and productive.
If pests become problematic, look for organic methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to keep them away.
Your basil plants will thrive in your greenhouse with proper care and attention!
Harvesting And Storing Basil
Let’s talk about harvesting basil – when and how to do it, and then we can move on to storing it.
We’ll need to figure out the best way to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
Harvesting Basil
Harvesting basil is a rewarding experience!
It’s essential to wait until the basil leaves are a good size before harvesting so they have time to develop their flavor.
When you’re ready to harvest, use scissors or snips to cut the top few inches of a stem, just above the set of leaves.
This will allow more stems and leaves to grow from the same plant.
Ensure not to over-harvest, which can weaken the plant and reduce its yield.
For best results, only harvest about one-third of the total basil on your plant at once – then enjoy its delicious flavor!
Storing Basil
Now that you’ve harvested your basil, it’s time to think about storing it.
If you want fresh leaves, store them in a sealed container with a damp paper towel.
For longer-term storage, try drying the basil.
You can hang the stems upside down in a warm, dry place, lay them on a baking sheet, and bake them at low heat until they’re crunchy.
Once dried, store the basil in an airtight container for up to six months.
You can also make sweet Genovese by combining dried basil and sugar and storing it in an airtight container for up to one year.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of your freshly harvested basil all year round!
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing basil in a greenhouse can be immensely rewarding.
With the right conditions and care, you can have abundant fresh basil all year round.
Preparing your greenhouse correctly is essential for creating the ideal environment for your plants to thrive.
Once planted, make sure to keep up with regular watering and fertilizing.
Finally, harvesting and storing your crop correctly will help ensure it stays fresh and flavorful long after you’ve harvested it.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious flavors of homegrown basil year-round!
