Growing basil (Ocimum basilicum) is not difficult, as long as you know how to water it. The schedule may vary depending on your climate and whether you have it planted indoors or outside. Generally, this perennial herb does well in warm climates and thrives in full sun. However, it still likes moist, well-drained soil. "Just like an outdoor garden, every indoor growing space is unique," says Jordan Mara, founder of Mind & Soil. "Rather than having a strict watering schedule, focus on paying more attention to the foliage and soil to determine whether the plant is in need of its next watering." Here is everything you need to know about basil watering needs. Meet the Expert Jordan Mara is the founder of Mind & Soil. When to Water Basil Basil loves moist soil, so it makes sense to give the herb infrequent deep waterings instead of daily shallow watering. The reason for this approach? You want the water to penetrate at least 2 inches of soil so it won't dry out as quickly through evaporation. "Additionally, this trains the roots of the plant to search down more deeply for water, creating a larger root system," Mara says. A mature plant will likely need a good deep watering once a week, but of course this might depend on the environment, especially if the basil is planted inside. "This is because the light source is not as intense as the sun and there is generally less airflow indoors," Mara says. "As a result of a less intense light source and less wind, the soil will not dry up as quickly." For outdoor basil gardens, Mara says the best time of day to water basil that grows outside is either first thing in the morning or in evening. "Avoid watering in the middle of the day as the water will evaporate most quickly at this time and water on the leaves can result in burning from the sun," he says. Basil Water Schedule: Indoors and Outdoors Like with most plants, the frequency of watering depends on the amount of light, temperature, humidity, soil type, and potting container. The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to basil is that it likes moisture. As a rule of thumb, you want to aim to water once a week, however, if your basil is potted indoors, you may want to increase watering to every two to four days as the water may evaporate quicker. This approach also applies to basil in pots, even if it is outside. Unlike basil that grows in the ground, potted basil can dry out faster. "This is because rather than only the top of the soil being dried out by sun and wind, now all sides of the pot are being exposed to the sun and wind," Mara explains. "As such, evaporation now occurs from all directions." However, it's important to keep in mind that every environment is going to be different. Brown recommends focusing on paying attention to the actual foliage of your plant and digging down two inches into the soil rather than a fixed schedule. Light Basil loves sunlight. It grows exceptionally well when exposed to about six to eight hours of light each day. Keep in mind that even though this herb loves the sunshine, if you have direct midday sun, it may dry it out too quickly. Ideally, basil should have full morning sun that isn't too intense. If you notice that the leaves are pale green, instead of vibrant green, that means the herb may not be getting enough light. If your potted basil is indoors, move it to a sunnier location. Temperature and Humidity Very warm temperatures are quite hospitable to basil. You will have a full plant when the temperatures range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may undergo stress and the leaves may dry out. In that case, increase the watering frequency and create artificial shade. If the temperature drops to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the basil will not do well and the leaves may blacken. Anything below 45 degrees Fahrenheit is likely to harm your herb. When it comes to humidity, basil will thrive when the levels are somewhere between 40 and 60 percent. Indoor humidity is typically around 30 and 60 percent, so your window sill planters of herbs should do just fine. Soil Type Basil does well in well-draining soil. You can purchase vegetable and herb potting mix for both your planters and garden beds. If you have your soil tested for pH levels, basil will grow well in the 6.0 to 7.5 range. Potting Container Basil loves well-draining soil, so make sure that if you are using a planter, it has well-draining holes. You do not want the basil roots to sit in water. Also, make sure that your potting container has ample space for roots, a large pot that is at least 9 inches deep and 12 inches wide is a good start. Basil does especially well in raised beds or containers because both offer drainage and a welcoming environment that retains heat. This is particularly helpful in the spring when the plant is establishing. How Basil Plants Hold Water Basil is a humidity-loving plant and can absorb moisture through its leaves. This means you can mist the herb, in addition to providing it with plenty of water. The plant uses its roots to drink up water, but too much water around the roots can cause them to rot. For deep watering, Mara suggests the following: use a watering can or the shower setting on your hose and begin watering the soil all around where the stem enters the ground. If possible, avoid watering the leaves and only water the foliage. Once the water begins to pool, move on to your other plants and return to the basil plant after two to three minutes. Dig down 2 inches again to check and see if it's moist. If it is, you're all finished. However, if it is not moist 2 inches down, do a second round of watering. Repeat this process until the soil is moist 2 inches below the surface. Signs Your Basil Plant Is Underwatered Sad, sagging leaves are a sign that basil needs more water. If the plant is wilting, find a watering can pronto. You should also look at the soil level, if it is dry at the two inches level, it is time to water, Mara recommends. Here is what you should look for. Wilting leaves Sagging and drooping stems Dry soil at the base of the plant Remember, basil needs at least 1 inch of water every week to stay healthy and thrive. Signs Your Basil Plant Is Overwatered According to Mara, if your basil plant's leaves start to show brown or black spots, it is a sign that you are overwatering. Keep an eye out for the following. Brown spots Wilting stems Yellow leaves at the base of the plant Foul soil smell (a sign of root rot) Note that brown spots on leaves could also mean that the environment is too cold for the basil. (You'll also see this happen in the fridge if the temperature is too low). Store herbs in a crisper or in the front of the fridge if this is the case.

If you love cooking, you probably love the taste and versatility of red onions. But did you know that you can grow these onions easily at home? In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum covers how to plant, grow, and care for red onions in your garden. Red onions are a magical ingredient. They give salads and sandwiches a satisfying spicy crunch. Curries and chutneys wouldn’t be the same without them. And red onion pickles? Don’t get me started! As versatile as they are in the kitchen, these tender bulbs are equally easy to grow in the garden. They’ll stand up to almost any climate, and novice gardeners can enjoy their easy maintenance and bountiful harvests. Let’s dive into learning more about red onions and how to grow them in your home garden. With a few guidelines in mind, you can harvest massive red onions throughout the year. What Is It? Red onions are herbaceous biennial vegetables with flavorful foliage and juicy bulbs. They’re members of the Amaryllidaceae family of plants, which include garlic, white onions, leeks, shallots, and chives. They’re some of the oldest and most widely used vegetables on earth. The red variety evolved over thousands of years from species of wild onions. Humans have cultivated them since ancient times. In India, the first record of their use dates back 5,000 years and in ancient Egypt, to 3500 B.C.E. The red color of these onions comes from anthocyanin pigments in their skin. These natural dyes have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. These bulbs also contain a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. Because of this, these allium varieties are incredibly important in a healthy diet. Characteristics Red onions are biennial but often grown as annuals. You can harvest them around 110 to 115 days after sowing. They grow large and flavorful green foliage around their bulbous base. The leaves are hollow and can grow up to 2 feet tall. Every part of the plant is edible and highly nutritious for humans. However, they may be toxic to pets such as dogs, horses, and cats. Native Area Red onions evolved from wild onions in Central Asia, similar to white onions and other species in the Allium genus. Ancient societies propagated them for their red color, and soon, they spread throughout the ancient world. From ancient Egypt to ancient China, these delicious bulbs became mainstay ingredients in a variety of cuisines. People then brought them to the Mediterranean region where they took hold in Greece and Rome. Pliny the Elder wrote about them and the ancient Greeks used them as a dietary supplement. After spreading throughout Europe, these red-skinned bulbs made it across the pond to the Americas. Today, these flavorful crops grow all over the world and are some of the most widely consumed vegetables on the planet. Planting You can grow healthy plants from seeds, bulbs, or transplants. Seeds are a little harder to grow, but they are cheaper. All you’ll need are the right growing conditions and healthy seeds under a year old. Plant your sets in early spring, just before the last frost date. Once you can work the soil in your garden, you can get them in the ground. These vegetables are cold hardy and don’t mind a little frost. Find an area with full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Place each immature bulb or ‘set’ into the soil about 1 or 2 inches deep. Keep the rows over 1 foot wide and space your sets apart by around 6 inches. This will encourage aeration and prevent harmful fungal infections from forming in cramped growing conditions. How to Grow Like other members of the onion family, red onions are incredibly easy to grow. However, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Read on below to learn more about how to grow these wonderful staple vegetables.

If you love fragrant flowers in the garden, you’ve simply got to add heliotrope to your flowerbeds. These wonderfully perfumed flowering plants are simply stunning. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has the info on growing and taking care of these pretty perennials. You may have noticed in your gardening adventures that some flowers seem to follow the sun across the sky. Sunflowers, for instance, will turn their flowers to face the sun throughout the day. Although this is a fairly common trait among flowers, heliotrope gets its name for this habit. It means to turn or change with the sun. Heliotropes are a favorite summer bloomer with lovely, fragrant flowers and dense, textured foliage. They are sometimes known as cherry pie plants because of their fragrance. The flowers are said to smell like a sweet dessert with notes of vanilla and cherry with a nutty almond undertone. Though they are often grown as annuals, these plants are perennial in warm climates. They make a beautiful addition to the garden. They are especially nice to plant near entryways, paths, and outdoor living spaces, where their scent can be best enjoyed. What Is It? Very popular in the Victorian era, heliotrope was a common flower to find in gardens and parks. One was even placed on the casket of the famous American poetess, Emily Dickinson. This sweet-smelling flower has traveled across the seas and back again. Let’s explore the origins of the plant, and discuss how to help this vintage flower flourish in the modern garden. Characteristics This blooming beauty is a perennial in warm climates and is usually grown as an annual in cooler ones. It is a small, shrubby plant that can reach up to six feet tall in its natural environment. In cultivation, it will be closer to half that size. The leaves are oval-shaped and deep green with a rough texture and prominent veining. Some varieties have leaves with a purple tint, while others are solid green. They can also have a wrinkled texture. This flower is prized for its fragrant flowers. These five-lobed blossoms grow in flat clusters and can be shades of blue, violet, or white. The perfume is sweet and delicate with almond undertones and notes of vanilla and fruit. Older varieties tend to have a stronger scent than newer hybrid varieties. These plants have a long blooming season that lasts from late spring until early fall. Deadheading the blooms will result in more flower production, as it helps the plant to redirect energy to new growth. Native Area Heliotrope plants are native to the Americas, with species occurring in North, South, and Central America alike. Their habitats differ by species. Some species grow naturally in arid, desert areas, while others prefer moist woodlands. Still others are decidedly salt-tolerant and grow in sandy, coastal areas. Planting You can grow this plant in the ground, as well as in containers. It makes an excellent border plant and is stunning in a mass planting. The plants grow taller than they do wide, so plant them relatively close together. Leave about 12″ of space between these and their neighboring plants. Plant your heliotrope in the spring after all the threat of frost has passed. Start them from seed ahead of time to maximize bloom time. This is especially important in climates with short growing seasons.