Growing lush, healthy basil starts with choosing the right soil. Basil is an aromatic, flavorful herb that can enhance many dishes. With the proper care, it’s easy to grow both indoors and outdoors. However, one critical factor for success is the soil you use.
Selecting a soil that provides the right blend of nutrients, drainage, and moisture retention will ensure your basil thrives. Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing the optimal soil for robust basil plants.
Why Soil Matters for Basil
Basil requires loose, well-draining soil that retains some moisture. The soil supplies nutrients, allows oxygen to reach the roots, and provides support for the plant. Without the proper soil, you’ll end up with stunted, unhealthy plants.
Some key considerations when selecting soil for basil include:
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Drainage – Basil needs soil that drains well after watering. Wet, soggy soil will cause the roots to rot
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Moisture retention – While drainage is important the soil shouldn’t dry out too quickly between waterings. It should retain some moisture.
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Nutrients – Basil needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. Organic matter provides these macro-nutrients.
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Texture – A loose, crumbly texture allows the roots to spread easily underground.
Take the time to amend your existing soil if needed to create the ideal growing medium for your basil.
The Best Soil Types for Growing Basil
The optimal soil type for basil is a rich loam. Loamy soils contain a mix of sand, silt, and clay However, you can still have success in other soil types by making a few modifications.
Loamy Soil
Loam provides the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention that basil needs. The small particles of silt and clay hold water, while the sand prevents sogginess. Loam also contains organic matter that releases nutrients into the soil.
This type of soil is easy to work with and basil thrives in its loose, crumbly texture. Loam allows oxygen to penetrate to the roots, prevents waterlogging, and holds enough moisture between waterings. It’s an ideal choice for containers and in-ground growing.
Sandy Soil
Sandy soils drain quickly and provide plenty of aeration. However, they don’t retain moisture well and nutrients can easily leach out. Amend sandy soils with compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention and nutrient levels.
Clay Soil
Dense clay soils don’t drain well and easily become compacted. To make this type of soil suitable for basil, add organic materials like compost. You can also mix in sand or small pebbles to improve drainage in clay.
Silty Soil
Silty soils hold moisture and nutrients better than sandy soils. But they are prone to compaction, which impedes drainage. Adding organic matter opens up the soil structure and creates air pockets that allow excess water to drain.
How to Prepare and Amend Soil for Basil
Test your garden soil’s texture and drainage to determine if any amendments are needed. Here are some easy ways to modify soil and make it suitable for growing basil:
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Till in 2-3 inches of compost or well-aged manure before planting. This adds organic matter that improves drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient levels.
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Mix in coarse sand or perlite if you have heavy, dense soil. This helps loosen up the texture so water drains properly.
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Peat moss can be blended into very sandy soils to increase moisture retention.
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Add worm castings orgranular organic fertilizer to enrich the soil with essential nutrients for strong basil growth.
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Consider creating a raised bed for in-ground planting. Filling it with a quality potting mix gives you control over the soil composition.
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When planting in containers, use a potting soil formulated for herbs or vegetables. Or create your own mix.
Container gardens allow you full control over the soil used. Ensure your potting mix is light and loose, with excellent drainage. A general potting soil amended with perlite, compost, or vermiculite usually works well for basil in pots.
Ongoing Care for Optimal Soil Health
Proper soil care doesn’t stop after amending and planting. Maintaining healthy soil helps your basil grow better throughout the season:
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Mulch in-ground basil to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use 2-3 inches of shredded leaves, straw, or other organic materials.
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Avoid walking in garden beds to prevent soil compaction that impedes drainage. Use stepping stones if needed.
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Test soil pH yearly and adjust if needed. Basil prefers a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-6.5.
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Replenish nutrients, especially nitrogen, by applying organic fertilizer or compost mid-season.
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Ensure adequate drainage with soils that tend to get compacted. Cultivate or loosen the soil periodically.
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Let soil rest and replenish if you grow basil in the same spot each year. Rotate plantings when possible.
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When growing in containers, transplant basil into fresh potting mix each year. Old mix loses nutrients.
Proper soil is the foundation of growing lush, productive basil plants. Test your soil’s texture and drainage before planting. Amend it with organic matter if needed to create an ideal growing medium. And remember to continue nurturing your soil for the best harvests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Soil
Below are answers to some common questions about choosing the right soil for basil:
What is the best potting soil for growing basil?
Look for a lightweight potting mix made for herbs or vegetables. Or create your own by mixing peat moss, perlite, and compost.Ensure the potting soil drains well but also retains moisture.
Should I add fertilizer to the soil for basil?
While not required, mixing a small amount of organic granular fertilizer into the soil provides a nutrient boost. You can also apply liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Can I use garden soil for basil in containers?
It’s best to use a potting mix formulated for container gardening rather than garden soil. Potting soils are sterile and lightweight for proper drainage.
What should I put in the bottom of pots for basil drainage?
Put a 1-inch layer of gravel, pebbles, or other coarse material in the bottom of the pot below the soil. This improves drainage so water doesn’t pool.
How often should I replenish the soil for basil?
Plan to replenish the soil nutrients every 2-3 months by top dressing with compost or applying fertilizer. Or grow basil in a new spot/fresh mix each year.
Choosing the optimal soil helps ensure your basil thrives. Test drainage, texture, and nutrients before planting. Amend if needed to create the proper balance of drainage and moisture retention. With the right soil, you’ll be rewarded with an abundant basil harvest!
Can I transplant my basil into a pot to bring indoors this winter?
Basil is difficult to grow indoors, but if you have a sunny window, you can give it a try. Growth will not be as robust, nor will the flavor be as good, but it is definitely better than having no fresh basil at all. In fall you may not have any choice but to transplant large plants from the garden, but it is better to start fresh with a small plant if possible. If the basil in your garden has reseeded, dig up a big seedling to transplant. If you must dig the big plant in the garden, get as much of the roots as possible and put it in a pot large enough for the growing plant, using a good quality potting mix. This will be like transplanting a garden shrub.
When I pick basil leaves, do I pluck them from the top or the bottom of the stem?
Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers. Anything you can do to encourage new leaves, such as fertilizing or pruning, is a good idea. Picking leaves is also pruning, so you can stimulate your plant to grow while harvesting. Always cut leaves from the top of the plant. Instead of cutting individual leaves, pinch out the top of the stem. This should include the small new leaves or a flower stalk and a pair of full-size leaves growing below the tip. You can also cut low enough to include several pairs of leaves if you need a lot of basil. Just be sure that your cut is on a light-colored stem that is relatively young. The older woody portions may not sprout new growth.