American Stroke Foundation

This video will guide you through an easy way to start seedlings inside and transfer them outside so you can get a jump start on your garden this season.  Basil recipes for pesto and caprese salad are included to inspire some yummy and healthy meals. Enjoy and happy planting!

For this activity you will need seeds, a container to plant in (pot, cup, or egg carton), and potting soil/dirt.

You can start your seedlings about 4 to 6 weeks before the last average frost date in your area. Make sure your container has holes in the bottom for water drainage. Also, planting on a tray with a non-slip surface may be helpful to keep all your supplies in place.

Fill your container ⅔ full with dirt/potting soil, add the seeds, then cover them with a thin layer of potting soil/dirt.

Water the seeds to keep the soil damp and keep them in a sunny spot in your home. Rotate the seedlings periodically to ensure they all get even sunlight.

To prepare your seedlings for the outdoors, start placing them outside in a covered spot for about 4 hours a day. Slowly increase the time they are outside and in 7 to 10 days they will be ready to plant outside.

Dig a hole for the seedlings. If you are using a cardboard egg carton, you can separate the slots and plant them directly into the ground. Cover the seedlings with dirt and water them.

If you plant basil seeds this season you can use your basil for this yummy pesto recipe. Pesto is great on pasta, chicken, and as a sauce on pizza.

Caprese salad is another delicious recipe you can use your basil for. It makes a great appetizer, side dish, or addition to a sandwich.