Can anyone tell me if any of the supermarkets/shops stock basil - have tried to get it in the past in CVO but with no luck.
Presume the climate in Algarve would be vert suitable to growing this herb.
Need this ingredient for some home-made pesto, great with pasta and on sandwiches

Intermarche usually have it in a container covered in clingfilm. It's at the left hand side of the vegetable/salad counter where the pre-packed salads are. Occasionally they sell it growing in the pots. It's called manjericao.

had to check this one out as my lovely Dalmatian is called Basil..... every time Ainsley shouts about Basil on ready steady cook he is looking around wondering who is calling, it can be so funny at times.....

Sorry back on topic, you can buy it in the Intermache or the supermarket near the Slide and Splash turn off in Lagoa.

Carol tried to grow some basil but it was fawlty.

roy4eyes wrote:Carol tried to grow some basil but it was fawlty.

Groan.....

I bought a plant at the garden centre near Zizi but it died......
but then again, every plant i have dies......

Don't be hard on yourself Tricks mate...Basil is not that easy to grow.

If you are growing it in pots make sure you use good fertile soil / a multipurpose compost....even in the sunny Algarve keep your plant in sheltered position (away from draughts)..you need good drainage /some gravel at bottom of pot...
water well each week from the bottom / immerse in some water till soil is wet. It may need watering more in the high heat of Algarve.
Pick the leaves frequently to keep them coming, starting from the top(pinching out the top keeps the plant bushier)..if you have a few in pots then pick from different plants.

wish I was out there now. D'you know quite a few years back we had the idea of opening a herb garden in Algarve...I made enquiries and there was land available. The idea was to have a mobile home/large caravan, on the land...
alas it didn't materialise ......but I still live in hopes
Tudo de bom e boa noite x

We had a great crop of basil last year i was giving it away to our neighbours ( they gave us lemons ).
All we did was put some seeds in one of our plant pots that was close to the irrigation and away it went.
We were picking until december.

This year we are trying two types of basil, chervil, tarragon, sage, chives , coriander and parsley. plus peppers and chilies.
All were doing well when we left and hopefully being in shady but irrigated spots will be thriving.
Will find out next week.

The algarve countryside is covered in rosemary, thymes and mints, particulary the wild areas of some golf courses.

Ellie. guess what we have the same idea.

EMM wrote: Ellie. guess what we have the same idea.

Good on you Terry

I forgot to say, in England would advise growing indoors (maybe on a warm windowsill) or greenhouse.

Yes Terry you do see lotsa herbs growing wild....there are some in the little wilderness up by Rocha Brava lighthouse....they reminded me of Hyssop?At least I think they were but not sure. I love that spot to wander in..so peaceful
Ahh me..what wouldn't I give to be there now......

Thought this was going to be about a hotel owner. Sorry, my fawlt!

That area just beyond the Rocha Brava lighthouse is where I collect my fresh thyme. We dry it in the sun, then take a bit of Carvoeiro home with us.