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?
5 comments:
Yeah, I killed my basil plant, too. I think my problem, however, was that I used up all the leaves and left empty stalks out there to try and revive themselves. I'm not sure how to kill the bugs, but did you water the plant from its roots or did you just pour water in the dirt? I read on mine that you're supposed to just let the roots soak up the water it needs (rather than just pouring in too much and drowing the poor thing). That probably won't kill the bugs, but it might help the growth. Good luck!
May BP3 live a long and prosperous life.
I have no advice, because I also have a black thumb. I kill any plant or pet that comes my way. Somehow my children are still alive. (Maybe because they are very loud and obnoxious when I don't feed them on time.) That's it!! Teach your plant how to scream!
Let's be honest... How often are you using basil to cook??? Unless your italian or running a small bistro, it shouldn't be more than a few times a month.
Lets look at all the money spent on BP1, BP2, & BP3. Now ask yourself "How much organic basil could I have purchased for the same amount of money???" Chances are you could have bought enough to last you quite awhile, (again that is unless you are an overweight italian man). I say give up on growing the basil it will only bring you more problems!!!
Ummm...did your computer die too when you moved to D.C?? It's been a month since this post! PS. I'll be in D.C. in 2 weeks.
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