To prevent problems with basil, it is essential to understand that it thrives in moist but not overly saturated soil. Problematic symptoms begin with yellowing and drooping leaves, which indicate an issue below the soil level. For this reason, the steps to correcting the issues caused by overwatering basil are vital because they can help salvage your plants.
Watering the plants adequately for their needs is often a challenge. Almost everyone is familiar with the troubles brought about not watering plants. As such, frequent watering becomes a default solution that often leads to excess watering, particularly in the case of basil.
So much confusion arises because every gardener cultivates at least one plant that requires frequent watering, so there’s no reason to panic. This is a simple issue, so read on to learn how best to address the issue of overwatered basil.
Why is Overwatering Basil a Problem?
Overwatering and under watering are two problems that receive little focus. It is one of the many common issues arising in most households with plants. To add to that statement, it’s one serious problem that can be detrimental to your plants while still being under the radar—basil included.
The roots of the basil demand consistent moisture to thrive, yet they struggle to survive in perpetually flooded conditions. When a plant is situated in well-drained soil, air fills the voids around the roots and circulates freely. Saturated soil loses the ability to deliver air to the roots, leading to chronic stagnation. Air is vital for basil roots, so without it, they become dormant.
That is not what you require because the roots function as the foundation of your plants, transporting water and nutrients critical for survival in the case of overwatering.
Essentially, overwatering gets excessive and leads to the suffocation of the roots and leads to a myriad of problems in quick succession. Plants begin to wilt, and if you do not act quickly, there is a high likelihood that the plants will die.
Overwatering is More Than Giving Too Much Water
The major issue is that most people assume overwatering is synonymous to giving excessive quantities of water. While that is one aspect contributing to the problem, any reduction in root aeration or anything that keeps the soil sodden for long durations leads to overwatering.
What does that mean for you?
It indicates that there is the possibility of you slightly overwatering while the soil is not able to drain properly. If drainage seems to be an issue, the area will turn excessively soggy over time, which ultimately suffocates your plants. The prime objective is to diagnose the cause of overwatering first. Here are some contributing factors to the overwatered plants problem.
- Using containers that do not have sufficient drainage holes or have very few drainage holes.
- sing too much water retentive soil which prevents proper drainage.
- Planting basil in a container that is too large means the soil takes longer to dry, and the roots will be deprived of oxygen for more extended periods.
- Neglecting to confirm soil condition prior to watering.
Signs of Overwatered Basil
How can you tell if your basil plants are suffering from excess water? Plants communicate their issues to us and it is very important to be observant in case of signs of overwatering. For basil, they can show the following signs.
- Leaves turning yellow, starting with the lowest leaves and progressing upward.
- Leaves wilting and drooping.
- Foul smell emanating from the soil.
- Growth inhibition.
- If you attempt to remove the plant, you would find that the roots are blackened or brownish mushy.
Regrettably, in the most severe instances, the chronic signs and problems develop beneath the surface with the roots. Chronic overwatering leads automatically to the rotting of roots over time. This is true for any plant that suffers from standing hydrostatic pressure and high moisture levels.
Root rot is a previously identified massive problem. It results in stagnant development, inability to bloom or fruit, and may ultimately result in the death of the plant.
How to Fix Overwatered Basil
Recovering from an episode of overwatering basil hinges on the frequency of its occurrence. An episode of overwatering is a non-issue; simply allowing the soil to dry and monitoring for the next watering is the best approach. Resolving around chronic overwatering cases with root failure is a different case that will need further intervention.
Let us explore how to remedy overwatered basil, starting with basic fixes and progressing towards more involved treatment options.
- Pick Off Damaged Leaves
As far as your plant is concerned, yellow and brown leaves are not a sign of recovery. They can’t be brought back to life and for the suffering plant, removing leaves is the first step. Unproductive plant tissues need to be excised as they parasitize the plant.
Given the fact that your plant is already weakened, it is important to use sterile pruning shears to excise leaves. Sanitize used pruning shears with a diluted bleach solution to eliminate potential bacteria.
While pruning improves airflow and sunlight penetration, small cuts can become entry points for harmful microorganisms that, through infectious processes, could obliterate the plants.
- Prune Your Plant
In some cases, large portions of the plant may display yellow or brown regions. In such situations, it’s best to cut the plant down to leave only two leaves for a potent sprouting. With time, it will focus on establishing a robust root system. However, try to postpone hefty pruning till absolutely unavoidable.
- Stop All Irrigation
When plants are overwatered, the last thing needed is to continue irrigation. You might need to remove irrigation hoses or suspend watering altogether until the plant resets to its normal functioning conditions.
Adjust your weather conditions as well. While indoor potted basil can easily be moved out of the rain, covered basil plants in the garden pose a challenge. A possible solution is using plastic sheets or tarps supported by poles to form a primitive tent over the plants.
Alternatively, placing rubber totes or similar containers upside down shelters basil plants from rain while they remain unresponsive to direct sunlight.
- Remove Mulch Around Plants
With your fingers or a rake, pull back the mulch around the base of the basil shrub. This improves the chances of the damp soil drying out with fresh air circulation.
One of the purposes of mulch is to retain moisture in the soil, which is helpful in most circumstances, but this is not the time for retaining moisture. Plants that are over watered need plenty of opportunities to dry out. Do not throw the mulch away; it will be useful during dryer periods when watering is resumed.
- Let The Soil Dry For Several Days
Once irrigation is ceased and mulch is applied, the soil can now be set to dry for a duration of several days. The upper two inches of the soil must be dry, while the layer of soil beneath two inches can be moist, but should not be soggy. It is safe to water again when soil becomes dry to a level of two inches deep.
The duration for this to happen is variable. Hotter temperatures can shorten this to a mere 2 days, while cooler temperatures or humid conditions extend this to several days or a week. Make daily checks.
- Aerate the Soil
Aerating Basil Plant’s Soil With Weeder Tools. One effective approach to assist with soil drying, is to make use of weeder tools to poke holes around the basil plant. A weeder tool aerating for the plant works by penetrating vertical slots into the land and twisting the tool allows loosening of the soil compaction at the base without damaging roots.
This step is critical for chronically overwatered plants. In this case, aeration will improve access to air in the root system. Without this, the roots will never dry. Plants with soils that are mostly clay will struggle, as these soils tend to retain excessive moisture, ultimately suffocating the roots.
- Dig Up The Plant and Move It
In case the soil appears to have poor drainage, the last resort is to dig up the root ball and relocate it to a sunnier spot with good drainage.
Container grown basil is easier in this aspect. Changing the potting soil is effective for pots that are too wet. However, it might also be necessary to change the pot or the drainage holes. Some pots don’t have enough holes, which leads them to storing excess moisture.
How Much Water Does Basil Need?
Basil enjoys moist soil, but overwatering is still a problem.
Watering your plants efficiently once a week helps sustain moisture in soil and enables roots to develop deep into the soil.
Consider expanding your watering schedule if you are growing basil in pots because the soil tends to dry out quicker and requires additional watering. Watering in the morning is preferable as it enables the roots to hydrate before the scorch of the day.
Always Be Careful Watering
Proper hydration is crucial, yet it is equally important not to overwater. Excessive hydration is just as damaging as not providing enough. Plants require a defined quantity of water, and providing excess over an extended duration results in root rot and possibly the death of the plant.
Moderation is recommended in the case of basil. With controlled hydration, the basil will thrive and not encounter issues related to watering. Following these few simple watering rules will provide your basil optimum conditions for healthy and vibrant growth so you can enjoy fresh basil.