Basil

Bezel; Osimum Basilicum

Days from Seed to Maturity:50-60

Lifespan: Most Basil, such as the common Sweet Basil, are Annual plants lasting 4-6 mths.

There are also some varieties of Basil that are Perennial, they can grow year round in the right conditions and the plant can come back every year, their leaves are smaller and the plants are bushier.

Outdoor Planting Zones: 5-10

Pruning: Basil should be 6 inches tall before pruning. Trim Basil leaves from the top of the plant. Leave the small leaves below the trimmed basil to allow them to grow.

Light: Direct Sunlight. 6 hrs/day in a sunny location or 10 hrs/day under fluorescent lighting.

Soil: Well drained, Moist. Slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Indoor Planting: If planted in a planter, soil at least 4 inches deep.

Water: Water every 1-2 days. Keep moist, well drained soil. Avoid watering the leaves.

Food: Feed with a basic Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, such as Miracle-Gro, that has a NPK of 24-8-6, or your favorite well balanced fertilizer. Fertilize indoor plants per the directions accompanying your fertilizer of choice.

Potential Companions: Basil grows well with Tomatoes, Parsley, Chamomile, Lettuce, Peppers, Borage, Marjoram, Oregano, Eggplants, Beans, Asparagus, Cabbage, Beets and Potatoes.

Do not plant with: Sage, Mint, Rue and Rosemary.

Additional information: Basil repels Hornworms from Tomatoes when planted together.

Additional Links and Resources:

https://www.pinterest.com/LittleLakeviewConservatory/basil/

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/8-tips-to-grow-big-bushy-basil130968

https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publication/?seqNo115=322346

Little Lakeview Conservatory, LLC

Please feel free to contact us at LittleLakeviewConservatory@gmail.com be added to our email list or with any questions, requests and comments.

Little Lakeview Conservatory, LLC * Grow a little!™

Lemon balm

lemen ba:m ; Melissa Officianalis

Days from Seed to Maturity: 70

Lifespan: Lemon balm is a perennial plant.

Outdoor Planting Zones: 4-9 cold hardy, but sensitive to heat.

Pruning: Prune after flowering. Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the plant\"s height.

Light: Direct sunlight to shade. Lemon balm can thrive under the shade of a companion plant.

Soil: Well drained soil. Slightly alkaline pH 6.7-7.3.

Indoor Planting: If planted in a planter, soil at least 6-8 inches deep.

Water: Water only when the top two inches of the soil is dry. Keep well drained soil.

Potential Companions: Squash, Melons, Tomatoes, Kale, Apples, Kiwi, Funnel, Onions, Basil, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Hollyhocks, Angelica and Nasturtiums.

Do not plant with: Lemon balm can be planted as a companion to nearly any plant with similar care requirements, although lemon balm has a tendency to take over a small space quickly through its quickly expanding root system.

Additional information: Lemon balm masks the smell of cabbage, repels some insects and attracts honey bees.

Additional Links and Resources:

https://www.pinterest.com/LittleLakeviewConservatory/Lemonbalm/

https://plants.usda.gov

https://www.almanac.com/content/lemonbalm