Grow Guide: Growing Basil in Your Urban Garden

Basil is a sun-loving herb that thrives in Melbourne’s warm months. With its aromatic leaves, it’s perfect for adding fresh flavours to your dishes. However, basil can be a bit temperamental- too cold, and it wilts; too hot, and it bolts. Let’s dive into how to cultivate this herb successfully in your urban patch.

🕰️Best Time to Plant

Spring to early summer: Basil flourishes during these warmer months. Aim to plant after the last frost has passed, typically around late September to early October.
Avoid winter planting: Basil is sensitive to cold and frost, which can stunt its growth or kill the plant.

📍Where to Plant

Full sun: Basil requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow robustly.
Well-draining soil: Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and drains well to prevent root rot.
Containers or garden beds: Basil grows well in both pots and garden beds. If using pots, choose ones with good drainage holes.

🧑‍🌾How to Grow

Sow seeds directly: Plant basil seeds 2–3mm deep in well-prepared soil.
Spacing: Space plants 20–30cm apart to allow for air circulation.
Thinning: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to prevent overcrowding.

💧Watering & Feeding

Regular watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced, organic fertiliser every 4–6 weeks to promote healthy growth.

🍽️Harvesting

When to harvest: Begin harvesting leaves once the plant has at least 6–8 leaves.
How to harvest: Snip leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Flowering: Pinch off flower buds promptly to prolong leaf production.

😱Common Problems (and Fixes)

Bolting: Basil tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) in hot weather. To delay this, keep the plant well-watered and regularly pinch off flower buds.
Pests: Watch out for aphids and whiteflies. Use organic insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Diseases: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

👋Best Companion Plants

Tomatoes → Mutual classic pairing: basil repels pests, attracts pollinators, and enhances growth/flavour.
Peppers (capsicum & chilli) → Basil helps repel aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Oregano & parsley → Herbs that enjoy similar conditions and boost pest resilience.
Asparagus → Basil may help deter asparagus beetles.
(Avoid: rue, sage — they don’t get along with basil.)

💡My Urban Patch Take

In my urban patch, basil is a summer staple. I plant it in early October, ensuring it gets plenty of morning sun. Regular harvesting keeps the plant productive, and I always make sure to pinch off any flowers to extend the harvest period. Basil pairs wonderfully with tomatoes, so I try and plant them together for a delightful combination (when space allows!)

(Need a little refresher before getting started on your basil journey? Check out my Urban Garden Beginner’s Guide: 4 Essentials to Get Growing Fast)

The Urban Patch

🌿Basil