Herbology August 2022 – The Magic Willow

Magic With Basil

First, let's grow our own!

Selecting the right pot and location

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular herb that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes and of course for us witches in our magic work. It is also relatively easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginner witches. In this class, I will discuss how to select the right pot and location to grow your basil plant.

When choosing a pot for your basil plant, it is important to select one that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. A clay pot is a good option, as it will help to keep the soil moist. You will also need to choose a location for your pot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Once you have chosen the right pot and location, you will need to fill your pot with compost. You can then sow your basil seeds.

Sowing the seeds

When sowing the seeds for basil, it is best to do so in the springtime but you can still sow in mid-summer. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 21 degrees Celsius.

To sow the seeds, simply place them on the surface of the soil and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil. Once the seeds have germinated, which takes around 7-10 days, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground.

With a little care and attention, you can soon be harvesting your very own magical basil leaves to use in your magic and cooking!

Caring for your young basil plants

If you've never grown basil before, you might be wondering how to best care for your young plants. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

- water your plants regularly in the morning, making sure to not overwater them

- place them in a sunny spot

Harvesting your crops

When your basil plants have grown to about 6-8 inches tall, it is time to start harvesting your crop. Store in the fridge or freezer in little ice cube trays.

Pests and diseases to watch out for

There are a few pests and diseases that can affect this plant. Here are a few to watch out for:

-Basil downy mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus and can result in yellow or brown spots on the leaves.

-Basil rust: This disease is also caused by a fungus and appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves. The affected leaves may eventually turn yellow and fall off.

-Basil mosaic virus: This virus is transmitted by aphids and can cause the leaves to develop a mottled or mosaic pattern. The leaves may also become distorted or stunted.

Magic with Basil

Basil is a magical herb that has long been associated with witches. It is said to be a powerful plant that can be used for protection, healing, and even love spells. If you're looking to add a little magic to your life, here are some ways you can use basil:

- protection spells: keep a pot of basil on your windowsill to protect your home from evil.

- healing spells: use basil in a healing potion or salve.

- love spells: write your name and your crush's name on a piece of basil and carry it with you.

This herb can also be used for divination. Try making a tea with basil leaves ( a bonus recipe included this month) and drinking it before you do a reading. The herb will help to open your psychic abilities and allow you to see things more clearly.

Whether you're looking to add some excitement to your love life, want to try your hand at divination or want to keep your home protected - basil is for you!