new basil plant, shrinking leaves

gigsi 2/25/2012, 12:32 pm

Hi, so glad I found your site. Having a problem with a basil plant that looked fairly lush when I brought it home but it seems it's leaves began getting smaller every day, and then they began dropping so I am pretty discouraged and wondering what I may have done wrong. Mine will be a small balcony garden with a fair amount of sun. Thank you for any help.

**Furbalsmom** 2/28/2012, 3:29 pm

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gigsi

How long have you had your basil plants, where are they right now, and are they still in the original container? Is it possible they are rootbound? Lack of sun and being rootbound can both contribute to smaller leaves. Have you tried pinching the top to encourage growth and branching?

My basil in containers need lots of sun and for the soil to barely moist, not soggy wet. If they dry out before I water them and they wilt a bit, just water them well and in a couple of hours they will look great.

Are you using the ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING book to set up your patio garden? It is easy to read and full of simple instructions for growing great gardens, no matter how limited your space.

**Kelejan** 2/28/2012, 3:36 pm

A belated

new basil plant, shrinking leaves 396615

gigsi. I missed your first post.

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new basil plant, shrinking leaves

new basil plant, shrinking leaves

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