How to grow basil indoors
Tips on growing basil indoors, growing from seed, propagating, harvesting and pruning... oh, and cooking!
Everybody should be able to enjoy the joys of growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and houseplants - even those living in towns and cities with little space. Our mission at Urban Gardening Hub (UGH) is to help those of us without big gardens or green spaces embrace the beauty of urban gardening, no matter how small our patch.
It's easier than you might think to jungle up your concrete - so let's dive in!
Urban gardening is the practice of growing and caring for veg, fruit, herbs and plants in any nooks and cranny you can find in a built-up area: whether it's a courtyard garden, balcony, rooftop, window-ledge, or even just a sunny spot indoors.
You can keep things as simple, or make things as creative, as you like. Some urban gardeners create vertical gardens (sometimes called living walls or green walls) and container gardens, maximising every bit of space available. Others simply put a tray of seedlings in a warm, bright spot and go from there!
The important thing is that, whatever your favoured method, urban gardening is an accessible, fun, and sustainable way to bring greenery and fresh produce into your city life - reducing your carbon footprint, topping up your fridge, and brightening up your home as you go.
Urban garden is incredibly varied, and our expert advice and step-by-step guides will help you:
We're also passionate about the rapidly-evolving world of technology in urban gardening, from hydroponics (including the best hydroponic plants, towers, and kits) to smart irrigation systems, so we'll be focusing a lot on this, too.
1. Assess your space: Consider light and space to choose suitable projects. Herbs can fit in any urban garden (like a balcony basil plant for example) but a citrus tree or hydroponic tower needs a more space.
2. Gather your supplies: Even a basic urban garden needs potting mix, pots and seeds, while more advanced set-ups require watering systems and artificial light. Make sure you're prepped.
3. Learn the basics: Familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of soil, watering, and plant care. Some projects, like an indoor lettuce tray, are very low maintenance. Others, like balcony grapes or an avocado tree, need a more experienced hand. Expand your garden as you learn.
We post new urban gardening articles every week, so make sure you visit regularly. To kick things off, we've included some popular guides below.
Know what you're after? Check out our dedicated themed articles at the bottom of our vegetables, herbs, houseplants, fruit, and gardening supplies landing pages.
Tips on growing basil indoors, growing from seed, propagating, harvesting and pruning... oh, and cooking!
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