Growing basil is the perfect task for a new gardener, and the book Basil: From Seed to Table, illustrates in detail how to cultivate and use this wonderful herb.
I've been growing basil for years. First of all it's a wonderful herb to cook with and growing basil is really easy. So when my friend Courtney asked me to review her book, "Basil From Seed to Table," I was quick to accept.
Here's the good news:
Courtney is giving one of my readers a free copy.
Simply comment below with a comment about why you like basil and I will draw a winner at random by the end of the week.
We all recognize this green beauty for it's fragrant smell and yummy taste. I typically grow Italian, or often labeled Genovese Basil. It looks a lot like the picture above with large bright green leaves. It's probably the most commonly used and easiest to find in the local nurseries. However, did you know that there are hundreds of different varieties. Courtney does a good job discussing a few and since I already know that basil is easy to grow from seed, I'm now checking out some catalogs from her resource section for some Thai Basil. Her recipe, Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken Curry sounds so delicious, I can't wait to make it.
A Great Growing Basil Resource
This little book is a great reference book at a very affordable price. Much of the information is good for all types of herbs, veggies and even flowers. So if you are just getting into gardening or even if you have been gardening for a while consider buying this handy guide for your self or give one as a gift.
You can purchase a copy now HERE.
Giveaway Details
- Comment below for a chance to win. [One comment per person.]
- The winner will be selected by a random number generator on Friday, January 12, 2018.
- Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
The Winner is Paula! Congratulations!
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Nancy B
Run my hand over the basil as I pass it to enjoy the fresh scent in my sunroom
Debra
Basil is my favorite herb! I grow basil in a pot on my back porch. I love going out in the summer and snipping off fresh leaves. I dry the remainder and have it all year long. So much better than buying it dried from the grocery store. I love to smell it after it's cut! I'm trying to start growing it inside during the winter. We'll see how it goes.
Melody
Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about basil and gardening. I have been trying to learn more about gardening and self sufficiency and teach my kids the same.;)
Dena
There are soo many varieties!! Each year I try about 4-5 varieties to cook with fresh, ferment to save in the frig for winter cooking & dehydrate for soups, etc. Plus I share plants with friends & neighbors. It would be fabulous to learn/know more about different varieties...
Always interested in adding/reading resource books to my library for reference.
Candace
I love to use Basil! There is nothing like fresh basil in your recipes. I have some growing in my window and love the smell of the fresh basil when you just brush the plant. YUM
Carol Davis
Love Basil, my favorite or should say one of my favorites is to sit on the patio with a margarita and pick basil leaves to eat. Love the taste and smell. I cook with it all summer. Would love to know how to store it to use all winter. That dry basil that you buy in the produce dept. just is not the same. I put it in just about everything I fix or cook, pesto is a favorite. Needless to say I would love to have a copy of this book.
Lindy
Dear Courtney,
I spent a spell of time being a wee bit sick you might say, LOL. It was so damn mean to me I could not eat, the nerve, dammit. It did pass after what felt like forever, but what got me through it was dry toast cut into tiny pieces topped by tiny pieces of mozzarella and then tiny pieces of basil as the piece de resistance for six full weeks. That burst of flavour from the basil made it seem so fresh and wonderful the whole darn time. As if I was always tasting it anew. This year I get to start a garden and I also wish to have an indoor basil plant too, because I am greedy that way, lol. May 2018 be healthy and prosperous to you and yours. (long winded aren't I hehehe)
Shirlene Weber
I love basil to cook with and just the smell of it!
Dianne Sawyer
I have two basil plants growing in my backyard and being a novice gardener I’m researching online how to care for them. I just trimmed them back after letting them go crazy and I do hope they survive. This book would be a lifesaver – for them and me. LOL
Ewen
Basil leaves you with the freshest taste buds of any herbs I know. Loving my Thai food as I do means I eat and enjoy it almost on a daily basis.
Barbara Keller
I am a member of 2 of the garden clubs in my area and I would like to learn more about herbs to start an herb garden.
Ann Austin
Healthy for you, lovely pn Italian good.
Ivan Raitchev
Basil, as far as I know, is the must finish for an Italian dishes. I personally think that the basil is as the cherry on the top of the cake and no pasta dish will be so good if the basil was missing. I'll be so happy to have this book because I have had great difficulties in my efforts to grow basil in my small garden. Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year for you all.
susan morris
I certainly need some help growing Basil - I tried it for the first time last year and yep I realised that I needed to research how to get it right
Sandy Garver
I work in a greenhouse and always run my hand over the basil to release that wonderful fragrance. If some of the stems get leggy, break off and start new pot. It’s easy to root and soon you’ll have fresh leaves.
Dona Michell
Would love a book about growing basil and good info that i could apply to other plants.
Since i'm originally from the north, the southern climate i am now is quite a challenge so any information would be appreciated.
Bev
Thanks for the great review. I love to cook with with basil and use it in many dishes as well as beverages. I have only grown it outdoors from plants I buy in the spring and would love to know about growing it from seed.
Jenni
We just moved into a new house with a phenomenal garden that faces the water. I have always wanted to grow basil from seed, but have been intimidated by the thoughts of it because those seeds are so tiny and I am not sure that my soil requirements would provide a prolific harvest. My modus operandi was to go to the nursery and get pots of basil only to have it either wither at the stem, do nothing or just throw its leaves up and die. I have had better luck buying a big pot of it at Trader Joe's and keeping it in my kitchen. I have always thought basil too fussy for a garden. I would love to learn more about it. Basil is my favorite herb. (Okay, tarragon and basil tie for the most favorite.)
Courtney Johnson
Thank you so much for the encouraging review, Patti! I'm excited to see who wins!
Debra
Love Basil tough I haven't had much luck sustaining it!
Paula
I love tomato basil soup. One of my go to dishes!
I also have a small, inside, windowsill, herb garden. And yes basil is grown there.
Lauren
I love basil in pasta, pizza and salads. I’m starting a raised garden thing a year on my patio, and I can’t wait to plant some basil!
Dena
There are so many basils to try!! Information is always wonderful!!
Christine schlueter
Basil is one of my favorites in my garden. I love to add it to so many dishes and love it as a lettuce is sandwiches. Freezing it is the best way to preserve it for the winter. Everyone can grow it in containers or in your garden!
Cathy
I love to cook with basil year round and would love a copy of the book. At the end of the season I make pesto bombs- pesto frozen in small round shaped ice cube trays. I use them all winter to season soups, fish and other dishes.
Carol
Being a Scottish lady married to an Italian man, I could really use this book!
sarah krouse
One of my most favorite herbs, if only for the pesto!
Jody
When I finally get into my new foerever house and I get settled the first thing I am doing is starting an herb garden. I have a window designed just for that purpose. I should have been Italian. We love food that is healthy and delicious.