Weed Control

Suggestions for weed management in basil include use of the Stale Seedbed Technique and use of plasti-culture. Both glyphosate (Roundup) and pelargonic acid (Scythe) are registered for stale seedbed use. Flaming can also be used. Stale seed beds can be used between plastic mulch (be careful with flaming as it melts the plastic). Basil usually grows quickly and shades the planting hole in plasticulture, out-competing weed growth. Apply the plastic at least two to three weeks prior to planting and kill the weeds between the mulch prior to setting the basil plants on the plastic. On bare ground culture, keep cultivations shallow to protect crop roots. Do not move soil into the crop row as basil plants may be more susceptible to diseases when soil is mounded against the stems of the crop.