Why are my basil plants dying?
Question:I've been growing basil plants from seed in my kitchen. the seeds have germinated fine, but now that they are a little bigger they seem to be dying off. The leave are getting yellow patches, wilting and then dying. Why is this? I have also found a few little insects on the plants about 5 and i have knocked them off when i have seen them i think they are baby greenfly, will they damage the plants and how can i get rid of them, but still be able to use my plants in food? I would really appreciate any help...
Answers:
Two things.Sounds like your plants are getting over-watered. Soil needs to dry out before you water. Usually once a week. Aphids can be got rid of, by hand spraying with soapy dish wash liquid/water.You can still use leaves, but wash them well. Good Luck!
because basil brush has pissed on them
How big are the plants? Have you potted them on into a more nutritious potting compost yet? Basil is quite a hungry herb - it hates being wet, especially at night so feed it well in the morning when you water it.
Have you checked the back of the leaves? The symptoms you describe could have several reasons - greenfly will sap the strength of a plant - and you are more likely to find them UNDER the leaves than on top - you may also find scale insects on the back of leaves - just scrape these off with your thumb nail.
The yellowing could also be due to nitrogen or magnesium deficiency (if the leaves are yellow it is nitrogen - if the veins are yellow it is magnesium) - a decent feed applied in the correct dosage (too much will be as damaging as not enough) will soon fix that!
Good luck and I hope you will soon be making your own pesto sauce with all the healthy basil leaves you will be growing!
basil does not grow good for very long in pots,indoors or outside.if you plant it in your garden or flower bed,you will have much better luck. like wizza7geeza say's,its getting too much water.plant in a sun/shade area,and spray the plants with the hose to get rid of the aphids.if it's a continuing bug problem,spray with insecticidal soap.
I sympathise...
Some of us aren't destined to grow basil.
i would suggest placing a garlic clove round the plant...sounds crazy, but i have heard it works for pests..
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