Help.I am a plant killer. I've purchased a few plants in the past, and the people I purchase those plants from simply refuse to tell me exactly how often, when, and how much each plant needs to be watered. I blame them, and figure that my incompetence is really not my fault--my brain simply lacks to capacity to look at a plant, gauge its needs, and respond accordingly.
Despite my glaring weakness, however, I developed a love for fresh basil a few months ago--and immediately committed myself to changing my black thumb fate. After all, the thrifty (read: "cheap") person inside of me who refuses to pay $3.99 for 3 "organic" basil leaves at the grocery store is fighting the fat person inside who appreciates good, fresh food.
Solution: buy a basil plant ("BP").
BP1:
My first attempt was a tiny basil plant purchased at a plant nursery in Utah. After potting it (aka getting Chantal to pot it), I forgot to water the little guy. Apparently, BP1's puny set of 5 tiny leaves wasn't enough to draw my attention to it, and my lack of attention killed the poor plant. [Note: I bought a mint plant at the same time. I've heard that mint is like a weed, which breaks boundaries and refuses to be constrained. For all you mint-haters out there, know that no water does, in fact, kill mint plants as well.] I left the dead basil and mint plants out by my sink for a few weeks as a reminder to always-water-plants, and then threw them away when my roommates complained about the dead plants surrounding the kitchen sink.
BP2:
With the memory of BP1 firmly rooted in my mind, I then "upgraded" to a larger, already-potted basil plant at the Farmer's Market in SLC. I asked the seller detailed questions on how to maintain the plant--she responded in the usual non-committal, semi-informative style. I meticulously watered that plant, and said goodbye to it as it made its way cross country with Chantal (a plant lover/nurturer). During the move, that plant also went the way of the Earth, despite my frequent inquiries regarding its health and status.
BP3:
Chantal, feeling badly that my basil plant died during its cross country drive, purchased BP3 for me and realized that the plant shouldn't be watered as much as I watered BP2. Unfortunately, BP3 is pictured here--despite my constant care (and moderated watering), something is attacking my plant. I've tried a potion I found on the internet of boiled oil/garlic and water to try to fight the bugs... but my plant is still dying.
Anyone? Anyone?
