Conference uscd::gardenn

    A few weeks ago, I noticed a small article in the Boston Globe which
    cautioned gardeners about growing basil from store-bought plants or
    seeds. Accordinging to the article, most such plants/seeds come from 
    South America, and apparently carry a virus which, although not harmful
    to humans, will affect the soil in such a way that it would never be
    able to grow basil again.
    
    The article recommended that anyone wanting to grow basil should either
    use seeds or plants which they could guarantee were not from
    So.America, or should grow their basil in pots or containers, and plan
    on dumping the soil someplace other than the garden once the growing
    season was over. Also, the advised against harvesting seeds from such
    infected plants, as they suspect that the virus would carry over.
    
    Did anyone else read or hear of this? Comments? Also, does anyone know
    of a source of plants/seeds that are US-grown? We've already planted
    seeds and plants, using pots since we can't guarantee the source, but I
    would much prefer to have the basil growing in our regular garden.
    
    As always, thanks in advance. 

    Hi,
    
    I talked w/ Burpee late last week because I had also read that article
    in the GLobe a couple of sundays' ago.  I was bummed because last year
    we had... oh,... around 80' of basil.  Yes, we like our basil.
    
    Anyway, Burpee said that on the back of each package, they stamp it w/
    the location at which it was produced.  If it does NOT say South
    America,... you are safe. I have a feeling that many of the 'infected'
    packages may have been taken off the shelves... I only found packages
    from USA and FRANCE.
    
    Unfortunately,... I don't know where my 'starter' basil came from,..so
    they'll be in pots.
    
    John