Favorable days and conditions for planting basil
Fragrant basil is widely used in cooking. The beneficial properties determine its use in folk medicine. The spice is easy to grow in your summer cottage. If you sow the seeds in early spring, it will be on the table already in May.
Favorable days for planting basil seedlings according to the lunar calendar 2020
Experienced gardeners advise choosing the timing of sowing seedlings according to the lunar calendar. The moon has a great influence on plants. Their growth varies during its different phases. When carrying out agricultural work, the zodiac sign in which the night star is located and its phase are taken into account.
When to sow basil for seedlings in March
To obtain a good harvest, the crop is grown through seedlings. The advantages of this method:
- the first harvest can be harvested at the end of May or beginning of June;
- when transplanting seedlings into the ground, strong and healthy bushes are selected for a permanent place;
- plants quickly grow foliage, so greens are cut several times a season;
- the culture is more resistant to diseases;
- the germination of seeds in a prepared container with nutrient soil increases.
Growing seedlings takes more time and effort, but the results are worth it.
Depending on the region, there are different sowing times:
- In the Moscow region and the middle zone, seeds are sown in the last ten days of March or in the first ten days of April. Already in May, the seedling bushes are transplanted into open ground.
- In the Leningrad region, sowing time is April.
- In regions with a harsh climate, warm weather sets in in mid-June. Therefore, in Siberia, the Urals, and the Far East, basil is sown in the second half of April or in March if the seedlings are in a greenhouse. Medium and late ripening varieties are chosen.
- Residents of the south can sow seeds immediately in a permanent place, and grow seedlings from February.
Planting dates are also indicated on the packaging. For the best result, you need to take this information into account and focus on the lunar calendar.
Best days in 2020:
- March 1-8;
- March 25-31.
Favorable days for sowing are on the waxing moon. During this period, there is active development of plants, increased metabolism and sap flow. The period affects the production of good seedlings and healthy sprouts.
Attention! When the moon is in the sign of water (March 4, 5, 6), this is an excellent time for sowing, transplanting and picking aromatic herbs.
The following March dates are not recommended for work:
- 10-23 – unfavorable;
- 9, 24 – prohibited.
During the full moon and new moon, you cannot do gardening activities. Plants are too vulnerable at this time and may die.
Lunar calendar for the remaining months of 2020
In cold and hot climates, sowing times vary.
Favorable days:
- February: 1-3, 6-8, 14-20, 28, 29;
- April: 1.2, 11-15, 17-20, 25-30;
- May: 2-4, 6.9, 10-12, 15-17, 20.21, 25-29;
- June: 2.4, 7-9, 11-14, 16-19.
Unfavorable days:
- February: 2, 21-23;
- April: 8, 15-17, 23;
- May: 7, 13, 14, 22.
It should be taken into account that early varieties of basil ripen in 40-50 days, medium varieties - 60-70 days, late varieties - 80-90 days.
Rules for sowing and care for the seedling method
The soil for seeds for disinfection is watered with a solution of “Fitosporin” or potassium permanganate.The substrate is bought in the store or prepared from humus, peat, river sand in a ratio of 2:4:1.
The seeds are pre-soaked in Zircon or another growth stimulant and then dried. They are sown in boxes or in separate cassettes.
Sowing stages:
- Planting material is buried 5 mm into moist soil. Cover with film or glass and place in a bright place with a temperature of +20...+25°C.
- After 7-15 days, shoots appear and the shelter is removed.
- The seedlings are moved to a room with a temperature of +15…+20°C. Water the plants as needed, avoiding waterlogging or drying out of the soil.
They dive after two true leaves appear. Mineral fertilizer and wood ash are poured into the soil.
Days for planting in open ground
It is recommended to replant plants in a permanent place according to the lunar calendar. For different regions, the transplant time may be April, May or June.
In April 2020, seedlings can be planted in open ground:
- 1-7;
- 21, 25-30.
It is prohibited to plant on April 8, 22, 23, 24.
May is the warmest month for planting seedlings. Favorable days:
- 6;
- 15-17;
- 20;
- 25, 26.
Not recommended for gardening on May 7, 21-23. If seedlings are planted in June, it is better to choose the following days:
- 3, 4;
- 12, 13;
- 17, 18;
- 23, 30.
You cannot work in the garden on June 5, 21, 22.
For the middle zone, the following dates are recommended:
- May: 13, 14, 15;
- June: 10, 11, 19, 20.
In the southern regions in June: 10, 11, 19, 20.
You can sow seeds in open ground in May: 13th, 14th, 15th. In June: 10, 11, 19, 20.
Read also:
Is it possible to plant basil before winter and how to do it?
In what weather should you plant basil?
Weather conditions and location also affect the plant.
Conditions for planting in the ground
Plants are transplanted to a permanent place when 5-6 true leaves appear:
- the plates should be bright green, the bushes should be healthy;
- a few days before, the seedlings are taken outside for a few minutes;
- then the time is gradually increased and left for the whole day.
Basil does not tolerate low temperatures. In the cold, its development stops. Therefore, in regions with cold climates, basil should be planted when the threat of night frosts has passed and the soil has warmed up. The optimal air temperature is +15°C. The weather is cloudy or cloudy, preferably in the evening.
Selecting a location
It is advisable to choose a site for basil where tomatoes, peas, beans, and potatoes grew.
Attention! There is no need to plant basil next to cucumbers; change the location next season.
You can plant the spice between the rows of vegetables. Its advantage is that it repels worms, aphids, Colorado potato beetles and ants. Choose a sunny place; grass grows poorly in the shade. Also, the site should be protected from cold winds.
Soil and planting
Spicy grass prefers light, fertile, moisture-permeable soil. Basil does not like increased soil acidity. Landing rules:
- peat, humus, superphosphate, potassium salt, wood ash are added to the soil and dug up;
- holes are dug at a distance of 15-20 cm;
- the distance between the holes is left 25-30 cm, the bushes are planted together with a lump of earth.
The first two weeks of planting are covered with film if the nights are cold.
Care
Water the spice daily with settled warm water. Subsequently, the beds are weeded, the plants are fed, and the soil around is pinched and loosened. The first leaves are cut off when the plant reaches 15 cm in height. After flowering, the grass can be eaten, but its aroma is already weak.At this time, seeds are collected for the next season.
Read also:
When to collect and how to properly dry basil.
Plant compatibility: what to plant basil next to and why it is important.
How to properly freeze basil for the winter: a selection of the best methods.
Conclusion
Based on the phases of the moon, you can choose the optimal time for planting basil. In addition, the climatic conditions of the region must be taken into account. To obtain a high-quality and rich harvest, proper plant care is also important.