Tips for Growing Tomatoes and Basil
It’s been almost exactly a year since the pandemic hit, and I must say, the garden industry has changed in that time!
We’re seeing new businesses emerge, plant shortages, heightened interest in all things edible, and I am completely here for it.
One such business that is unfolding beautifully is the direct to consumer plant sales. I’ve been honored to try it out myself and am entirely happy!
Plants by Post sent me some tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers to try out and the verdict is this: the plants got to me quickly, with damp soil blocks and happy leaves. They were packaged perfectly and stayed put. In fact, I probably got to them much sooner than if they had to wait for me on the shelves of a nursery.
I’m entirely impressed and so now my online shopping has doubled. Yikes!!
In the spirit of the Spring season approaching, I’ve put together some tips, should you order some Plants by Post, or plants by mail (see what I did there??).
If you do order from my friends and Plants by Post, use my code BAILEY for 15% off! Also, if your seedlings are still young, you can keep them in their pots for a few days, but water then ideally from below. I kept mine in a baking dish on the counter in some sun for a few days and hardened them off a bit more.
Tips for Tomatoes
- They tend to be water hogs, so plan accordingly.
- Put a structure in place for them before you plant. I’m using stakes this year, so drive those in before planting.
- Tomatoes loves compost tea
- Plant a granular slow release fertilizer with your seedlings when you transplant for a great season
- Basil help enhance the flavor when grown near tomatoes.
- Marigolds make great companions
- if you suspect hornworms are present, use a black light at night to detect them.
Tips for Basil
- Basil loves full sun
- Praying Mantis love basil – don’t worry they won’t eat the basil but may eat caterpillars
- When left to bolt and flower, basil is a fantastic pollinator
- Basil loves to be pruned so harvest it as much and as often as possible to keep it happy and producing
- Keep freshly picked basil with stems in a glass of water for freshness.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips and put them to use this year! There are few combos as brilliant as tomatoes and basil.
Thank you to Plants by Post for sponsoring this article.