Basil drying up in winter? Adopt these easy and effective tips, plants will remain green and fragrant!

Winter season is soothing for humans, but it is quite challenging for delicate plants, especially basil. Cold winds and frost quickly damage the basil plant, due to which the leaves often turn yellow and fall or the plant dries up completely. This problem is common in many homes, but with a little extra caution and proper care, basil can be kept green and fragrant throughout the winter.

Choosing the right place is most important to keep Tulsi healthy in winter. Keep the basil pot at a place where it can get fresh and mild morning sunlight. To protect the plant from direct exposure to cold winds and frost, it is safer to keep the plant in a balcony, covered courtyard or near a window rather than in an open field.

Special care should be taken while watering basil in winter, because in this season the soil does not dry quickly due to moisture. Instead of watering daily, water only when you notice the top surface of the soil is dry. Due to accumulation of excess water in the pot, the roots of basil can rot, due to which the plant gradually dries up and deteriorates. By giving limited and required watering, the roots of basil remain strong and the plant remains healthy.

It is very important to take care of the soil of the basil plant during the winter season. Every 10 to 15 days, the soil in the pot must be lightly hoeed (scraped). This improves air circulation in the soil and the roots get adequate oxygen, due to which the plant remains strong from inside. Additionally, adding vermicompost or well-rotted cow dung once a month is very beneficial. This fertilizer provides essential nutrition to the plant, due to which the basil leaves look healthy, thick and shiny.

Dry or yellow leaves seen on the basil plant should be removed from time to time. Ignoring these can stop the growth of the plant. When you prune these dry leaves and weak branches, the plant’s energy goes into the growth of new branches and buds instead of being wasted. With this little care, the basil plant not only becomes bushy, but it also produces new and green leaves rapidly.

It is mandatory to take extra precautions to protect Tulsi from extreme cold and frost. During cool nights the plant can be covered with a light cotton cloth, jute sack or plastic sheet. This cover acts as a protective shield that prevents frost from freezing directly on the leaves of the plant. However, it is very important to keep in mind that this cover should be removed when the sun rises in the morning, so that the plant can get adequate natural light and fresh air. This small effort proves to be very effective in protecting Tulsi from damage caused by cold and keeping it healthy throughout the season.

With regular and proper care of Tulsi in winter, this plant not only remains green but also maintains its aroma and medicinal properties throughout the season. In fact, with a little care and time, Tulsi can be kept healthy in every home. Through connection with nature and these small efforts, we can protect this sacred and beneficial heritage of our courtyard even in the harsh winter.