Summary of How To Save A Basil Plant (With Time Lapse)

00:00:00 - 00:10:00

The video provides helpful tips for restoring a sickly basil plant by pruning, repotting, and providing proper care. The speaker explains the importance of choosing a bigger pot, using a rich multi-purpose compost, and avoiding overwatering. The basil plant needs sunlight and should be checked daily to ensure that the soil doesn't fully dry out. High-nitrogen feed can be given to promote growth, and a grow light may be needed for plants lacking adequate light. Viewers are encouraged to watch a previous video on propagating basil plants.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the video demonstrates the process of restoring a basil plant that is dying or sickly. The plant in question is an example of what might happen to a basil plant if it is left alone for too long, with the leaves appearing wilted, pale, and yellow. This means that the plant needs more nutrients, feeding, and space for its roots to grow. The demonstration entails pruning leggy growth, removing dead material and flowering stems, and repotting the basil plant into a two-liter pot. The aim is to encourage the growth of side branches, leading to a much healthier-looking and bushier plant.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of repotting a stressed basil plant and the type of soil to use. First, the speaker notes that a larger plant pot will make watering the plant easier and prevent it from wilting in case of forgetfulness. The speaker also recommends propagating new plants with cuttings from the pruned material. When it comes to repotting, the speaker recommends a rich multi-purpose compost that holds moisture, but not waterlogged, and advises against packing the soil too tightly or compressing the air spaces in the soil. The plant should be repotted at around the same level as it was in the previous pot and gently firmed down to prevent air gaps.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the speaker explains what to do after repotting the basil plant. The compost should be checked every day to make sure it doesn't fully dry out, but also not to be watered when it is soaking wet. Excess water should be emptied from trays to prevent waterlogging. Multi-purpose compost usually has enough nutrients for the plant for the first two months, but high-nitrogen feed can be given for larger leaves and more leafy growth. The basil plant needs lots of sunshine and should avoid the midday sun. If the plant does not receive adequate light, a grow light may be needed, especially in dark cloudy winters. The speaker encourages viewers to watch his previous video about how to propagate the basil plant.