Bay is actually a small tree known as the bay laurel, which can be planted indoors. Valued for its culinary uses, bay is native to the Mediterranean. The edible bay is Laurus nobilis; other bay trees may be toxic. Bay is seldom planted from seed, as seedlings can be difficult to start for the home gardener. Bay can be grown outside in zones 8 through 11 but will need to be grown in a container further north. The container can be set outside during the warm months and brought in to overwinter.
Instructions
1. Fill a large container with rich potting soil. Add in 1 to 2 handfuls of sand and mix well.
2. Plant the seedling in the center of the pot, covering the root ball completely. Place in a sunny, warm location.
3. Water as needed, keeping the soil evenly damp. The soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out, but bay can't tolerate overly wet conditions.
4. Administer an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and again in the summer.
5. Move the bay outside during the warm summer months and inside to a sunny location once the nighttime temperatures drop below 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Continue to water the bay throughout the winter. To harvest, remove leaves as needed.
