why is my basil so sparse?

by Kathy
(Mission, B.C. Canada)

I bought basil from 2 different nurseries, nice sized plants, they were starting to grow lush. When I planted them in containers they started to wilt and have alot of holes, well eaten. so I separated them into individual larger pots, in full sun, rather than part and sheltered. One that remains in partly sheltered is doing okay, the one in it's own large pot in full sun, is almost dead? I realized at first with the eaten ones that there were in fact slugs in the soil. so off they went. But I don't know what I'm doing wrong as I've grown basil before in my old home with tomates, this year I wanted an abundance of basil, and it looks as if i'll end up with very little if anything at all. My lavendar is doing exactly the same thing as well. I'm lost with these plants, yet I've grown them successfully before. Warm wishes Kathy

Doug says that you divided up the plants when they were growing so you have some root damage. Putting a root damaged plant out in the full hot sun is a recipe for disaster to begin with no matter how much you water the pot.

You don't say what your feeding or watering system is but I can tell you that unless you're feeding at least once a week and keeping this plant slightly damp (never letting it dry out) you're going to have problems growing it in containers.

You also don't say what soil you're using in the containers so if it's garden soil, you're up the creek again (compared to peat based artificial soils).

Let me suggest you check out the info on container gardening on this site and then check out the seminar on container gardening at my Doug Greens Garden website.

Good luck with the recovery.