A bee on my basil made me rethink cutting off the flowers

I always thought letting herbs flower made them taste bad. But one summer, a bee kept visiting the blooms on my basil plant. The basil seemed happier and kept growing strong. Now I leave the flowers on for the pollinators (and the plant's health).

3 comments

3 Comments

harper4122d ago

Ever wonder if leaving those flowers helps more than just that one plant? Some herbs will drop seeds or attract good bugs that protect your whole garden. It's like giving your little ecosystem a boost without doing extra work.

blake_kelly192d ago

Hey, what about the dirt under them? Flowers stop the ground from drying out fast. Their roots lock in water and feed the soil when they break down. That means less watering and healthier plants all around.

taylor.jessica2d ago

Basil flowers locking in water? I always ripped them off thinking they sucked the plant dry. But if the roots really help the dirt hold moisture... that changes everything. My basil always wilted by August, maybe this is why. I need to try leaving the blooms next year.