There is nothing more summery than the smell and taste of fresh basil. Mmm... it smells so good... But I have a confession: I suck at keeping basil plants alive. It shouldn't be that hard. Basil is a glorified weed that thrives in hot conditions! And yet, I can't seem to manage it.
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| Oh, Basil! How I love thee! |
Other years, I have bought the little plastic boxes of "fresh" basil that is sold next to the pre-tossed salads in the produce section. However, this basil is never fresh enough, and it never lasts more than a few days before getting wilty and gross. Plus, doesn't it seem odd to pay that much for a weed?
For the last few weeks, I have walked past the little potted basil plants in the produce section that seem to promise indoor-friendly, fresh herbs. I have been tempted. I have picked up and put back down the little tubs with their plastic sleeve protecting the tender leaves. I have wanted, decided better, then regretted. So I finally bought one two weeks ago.
I was so proud! I followed the directions on the sleeve to a T. I kept the lower portion of the sleeve on the tub. I watered from the bottom. I snipped leaves to eat as well as to promote growth. My little plant was thriving. And then I took it off the window last night to clean under the dish it was sitting in.
That's when I noticed the furry, blue mold covering the surface of the dirt. Another basil plant added to my list of failures. I took out the scissors, snipped the stalks of the plant in one swoop, and hung it upside-down to dry; I dumped the molding soil and remaining vestiges of my failure into a pot on the porch. It seems that the quest for fresh basil continues. It shouldn't be this hard.
