{"product_id":"basil-boxwood","title":"Basil, Boxwood","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003cbr\u003eDiscovered in a friend's garden, even on one of the hottest days of August, these plants remained in perfect form, extremely bushy and productive. Tight mounds of small leaves that resemble boxwood plants make a highly ornamental edging for the patio or container by the kitchen door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Grow\u003cbr\u003eKeep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. \u003cbr\u003eMulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For herbs, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.\u003cbr\u003eKeep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Basil should not be allowed to dry out.\u003cbr\u003ePinch the stems to encourage bushiness. Pinch flowers off to prolong the harvest.\u003cbr\u003eMonitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.\u003cbr\u003eDiscard plants after they bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTips\u003cbr\u003ePinch leaves from the tips of the stems as needed starting 60-90 days after the seedlings have two sets of leaves.\u003cbr\u003eIf fresh, pick early in the morning for highest oil content. \u003cbr\u003eFor drying or freezing, harvest leaves that have their maximum oil content, just before flowering.\u003cbr\u003eTo harvest the leaves, pinch the stems just above a set of leaves as needed from the top. This will also help keep the plants bushy.\u003cbr\u003eDo not harvest too much of the plant at one time as this may weaken the plant.\u003cbr\u003eFlowers are also edible and may be used as a garnish.\u003cbr\u003eTo dry, cut whole stems on a dry morning. Tie stems loosely together in small bunches and hang in a dry, airy location out of the sun. Basil may also be dried on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location. When thoroughly dry, store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dry, dark location.  \u003cbr\u003eBasil may be frozen dry on a cookie sheet and then sealed in zip lock bags, or it can be minced and frozen in an ice cube tray in water or olive oil. \u003cbr\u003eYou can also preserve basil using sea salt. Place a layer of sea salt on the bottom of the container you will use. Place a leaf on top of the salt. Add a layer of salt to cover the leaf so the leaves do not touch each other. Make as many layers are you have room for and seal the container and place in the refrigerator.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Haiyiplants","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":51778927722813,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":51778927755581,"sku":null,"price":6.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":51778927788349,"sku":null,"price":10.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":51778927821117,"sku":null,"price":16.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0107\/1487\/3956\/files\/1_5a36a352-bafd-4673-92ce-af023b48fc89.jpg?v=1780322076","url":"https:\/\/seedsplant.com\/products\/basil-boxwood","provider":"Seedsplant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}