Grow Bay Leaves in the Garden
Bay leaves can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes. It is added to dal, curry and soup etc. But do you know, it is very easy to grow it at home. With a little hard work and attention, you can grow fresh bay leaves in your house. Here we will tell you how you can grow bay leaves at home. Bay leaf plant should be kept in the sun, so plant it in a place where it gets good sunlight. A balcony, terrace or a corner of the garden can be the perfect place for this purpose.
Table of Contents
Soil Preparation
Well-drained soil is essential for bay leaf plants. Prepare a mixture of normal garden soil with some sand and compost. Keep the soil moist but do not let it get soaked in water.
Plant Preparation
Bay leaf plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It takes more time to grow from seeds, so it is easier to grow from cuttings. For cutting, cut a 6-8 inch long branch from a healthy plant and put it in water until roots develop.
Preparation for Planting
When the roots develop, plant it in well prepared soil. When planting in a pot, the size of the pot should be large so that the plant gets enough space.
Fertilizer and Water
Water the bay leaf plant regularly, but make sure the soil is not too wet. Increase the amount of water in summer and reduce it in winter. Add compost or organic fertilizer every 2-3 months.
Diseases and Pests
Bay leaf plant can be attacked by pests. For this, spray neem oil or use any organic insecticide. Check the leaves of the plant regularly and keep cleaning them from time to time.
Harvesting Leaves
When the plant is 2-3 feet tall and the leaves are well developed, you can harvest the leaves. Cut the leaves carefully so as not to damage the plant. Use fresh leaves or dry them.
Regular Care
The bay leaf plant does not require much care, but it requires regular watering, fertilizing and pest management to keep it healthy. Apart from this, loosening the soil from time to time and pruning the plant keeps it healthy.