Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Are there any other herbs which you consider good gutloading ingredients? I'm looking to stock up on herb plants to grow inside now before it gets cold and I've read through all your blogs but I think this is the only herb sold in nurseries to grow that I found. This and spearmint, but you say that your feeders don't quite like it.

Olimpia;bt991 said:

Are there any other herbs which you consider good gutloading ingredients? I'm looking to stock up on herb plants to grow inside now before it gets cold and I've read through all your blogs but I think this is the only herb sold in nurseries to grow that I found. This and spearmint, but you say that your feeders don't quite like it.

Click to expand...

Basil does have moderate amounts of Oxalic acid, so even it shouldnt be used as a mjor part of gutload.
Mint is ok, but not everything will eat it.
Coriander is okay, Ca 1.4:1 but moderate oxalates content, so go moderately with it.
Parsley Ca 2.4:1 but is high in oxaltes
Chives also have high oxalates, and I dont find bugs eat them anyways.
Sorrel is very high oxalates.
Oregano also has high oxalates, and I dont know if anything eats it (havent tried it - tell me if you do!)
Borage is okay - flowers and young leaves are best Im told.
Wheat grass is good, as far as I can tell (but I guess that's not really an herb).
Some people think of Rocket / Arugula as an herb, and its a good gutload choice

If you tell me what type of herbs you were going to grow, I could maybe tell you about them.

Alright, thank you for the info. I use basil and stuff like rosemary and mint for cooking, so I was going to buy more plants and possibly add other to my mini garden if they could be used for gutloading. It's easy to do and it means I have a steady supply of greens, even if they are only used in moderation. I still have to check out what the nursery has as far as dark leafy greens to grow (and see if they'll even do well inside) but I'll see if I can find at least some of what you recommend for gutloading. Might have to pick up some dandelion seeds as well and see if these will grow inside.

Dandelion will grow well nearly anywhere humans are comfortable. A windowsill (maybe not south facing) would work just fine. They are very tolerant of soil types, hard to overwater and almost as hard to underwater, accepting of freezing temps for weeks at a time, okay up to 30C without trouble so long as there is a little water. I can send you plenty of seeds for this weed, next summer (too late now, they've finished seeding). The spring leaves are quite tender and not too bitter - nice in a green salad (for humans). If it wasnt so abundant in my yard (whether I want it to be or not), I'd grow it in all my frog terrariums and in my chameleon cages.

Alright, thank you! It just makes sense to start growing some bug food of my own.

Agreed. I grow plenty of mustard greens and arugula for that reason