The Basil Report: week 1


by Dave Koelle - Newspeak Staff
Over break, Newspeak received some basil seeds as a complimentary gift from The Smithsonian. We thought it would be fun if we planted the seeds and wrote a weekly column telling our readers how the plant is doing.

Some facts about basil: It's scientific name is Ocimum basilicum. The back of the seed package says that it is "an easy and rewarding herb." It's supposed to germinate in 7-10 days. Basil is a spice used in salads, eggs, cheese, fish, poultry, stuffing, meats, and spaghetti.

You know the tops to those styrofoam plates that you can get in Gompei's or The Grille? Well, John (one of our editors) noted what a waste this piece of plastic is. Said he, "I'm not even environmentally correct, and I can tell this is a waste." So we put it to good use as our basil pot. We put some soil into it and sat it on the windowsill. The soil is finally drained and the seeds were sown. There is also a pretty rock around which the basil might grow.

Keep your eye open for future Basil Reports!


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