This is a journal of my vegetable gardens. Skippy was my first dog and he thought the garden was his, even though I did all the work. Now Suzie and Charley follow in his footsteps. We're located near Boston (USDA zone 6A). I have a community plot, a backyard vegetable garden, fruit trees, berry bushes, chickens, and bees. I use sustainable organic methods and do my best to grow all of my family's vegetables myself.
peas planted!
▼
Friday, June 25, 2010
my basil plot
Here's a photo of my basil today. OK I think. No basil blight. Weeds, but no blight.
I have two varieties this year. I usually grow Nufar. This year I am also growing Genovese basil. Both varieties are from Johnny's.
The Genovese leaf is shinier with smooth edges that tend to curl down, while Nufar edges curl up and are often a little serrated. I am looking forward to comparing the flavor of both.
I have the same question as biobabbler. Kathy, how do you use your basil? So far, I've only made pesto and sprinkled some in my salads. If there are other good recipes, I would love to know!
This basil is gorgeous. I too am looking for ways to use fresh basil. Please share how you are going to use ALL that basil. Do you dry it for winter use?
besides pesto, basil can be used in caprese salad, sprinkled whole or shredded on pizza or garlic bread, it can be made into a savory sorbet, infuse olive oil with it, dried and crumbled it can be added to your own herb blends. Fresh basil can be baked into bread, added to soups, mashed potatoes, omelets, salads, mayo, tapenade... i have even seen basil martini recipes!
I just came across your blog. you get so many comments! I just wanted to say I think your pictures are incredible. They stand alone, aside from all the cool gardening info you have. Clearly you haev many talents!
I heard that story on the basil blight. I called my mom who is watching after my garden while I'm working and I asked her if she noticed anything of the sort on the basil. She hasn't but my eyes (even if they're my mom's) are open! lol
You are amazing, how do you find time and ability to dedicate to sowing seed on time etc., I don't know. I got green and purple basil to grow to eat and act as an insect deterrent but life got away from me, perhaps if I sow it now it may do something, well done you, inspiration to many of us, thanks. Marian (London UK)
I definitely know what you mean about life getting away from me this year. Its one of those years! This year I have virtually no lettuce. :( And I fried the nice little soybeans I started. Oh well. There are other good things to focus on instead.
Wow, your basil looks amazing! Did you grow it from seed?
ReplyDeleteYes.
ReplyDeleteI have two varieties this year. I usually grow Nufar. This year I am also growing Genovese basil. Both varieties are from Johnny's.
The Genovese leaf is shinier with smooth edges that tend to curl down, while Nufar edges curl up and are often a little serrated. I am looking forward to comparing the flavor of both.
Kathy, your Basil patch looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI've never grown Basil from seed... I need to try it!
I can almost smell that wonderful fragrance as I look at your photo!
Love basil. They're great in the garden to look at and excellent in the home for eating.
ReplyDeleteYour basil is looking awesome.
Wow! that's a lot of basil. Hope you like home grown pesto, that will be great with home grown tomatoes too!
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious, i wish i planted that many in my garden.
ReplyDeleteHoping that blight stays far, far away from your plants!
Any advice on growing basil from seed? I tried it this year but it didn't work out, the roots never developed properly.
ReplyDeleteThey look both orderly and healthy. What are some of the things you do with what will be a LOT of basil?
ReplyDeleteI have the same question as biobabbler. Kathy, how do you use your basil? So far, I've only made pesto and sprinkled some in my salads. If there are other good recipes, I would love to know!
ReplyDeleteHave you experienced Basil Blight? I have it on my basil up in southern NH...
ReplyDeleteThis basil is gorgeous. I too am looking for ways to use fresh basil. Please share how you are going to use ALL that basil. Do you dry it for winter use?
ReplyDeletebesides pesto, basil can be used in caprese salad, sprinkled whole or shredded on pizza or garlic bread, it can be made into a savory sorbet, infuse olive oil with it, dried and crumbled it can be added to your own herb blends. Fresh basil can be baked into bread, added to soups, mashed potatoes, omelets, salads, mayo, tapenade... i have even seen basil martini recipes!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog. you get so many comments! I just wanted to say I think your pictures are incredible. They stand alone, aside from all the cool gardening info you have. Clearly you haev many talents!
ReplyDeleteI heard that story on the basil blight. I called my mom who is watching after my garden while I'm working and I asked her if she noticed anything of the sort on the basil. She hasn't but my eyes (even if they're my mom's) are open! lol
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, how do you find time and ability to dedicate to sowing seed on time etc., I don't know. I got green and purple basil to grow to eat and act as an insect deterrent but life got away from me, perhaps if I sow it now it may do something, well done you, inspiration to many of us, thanks.
ReplyDeleteMarian (London UK)
I definitely know what you mean about life getting away from me this year. Its one of those years! This year I have virtually no lettuce. :( And I fried the nice little soybeans I started. Oh well. There are other good things to focus on instead.
ReplyDeleteI love basil - I should have a basil plot too. love it!
ReplyDelete