The Basil That Came Back Home: A Story of Misunderstanding and Care

The Basil That Came Back Home: A Story of Misunderstanding and Care

Not all dark stems are rot — sometimes, they’re just a sign of growing up

🛍️ 1. A Day at the Flea Market in Cheongju

An opportunity came up to join a local flea market in Cheongju,
so I packed some of my plants and set up a small booth.
Sales weren’t high, but I reminded myself — experiences are also assets.
Even with a modest outcome, it was a meaningful day spent sharing my love of plants.

🌿 2. A Sudden Refund: “It’s Rotten”

I hadn’t sold much, so I was happy to have made even a few sales.
But near the end of the next day, a customer returned — holding the basil she bought just yesterday.

She pointed to a part of the stem and said, “It’s rotten.”

It was lignified — tough and matured, not decayed.
But I could tell: no explanation would change her mind.
I refunded her, and as she walked away, I was left with a bitter feeling.
Not for the money — but for the plant that had just been, in a way, abandoned.

🌱 3. The Truth Behind the Blackened Stem

The darkened stem she feared wasn’t rot — it was lignification, a normal process where basil stems harden with age.
It's a sign the plant is maturing.
With proper pruning and care, it can continue to thrive for years.
But that’s something many don’t know.
And sometimes, what we don’t understand, we reject too quickly.

🧺 4. Giving It a Second Chance

The basil hadn’t done anything wrong.
So I brought it back to my farm.

I carefully removed it from the plastic pot, trimmed its roots and cleaned off the old soil, then placed it into a new home with fresh earth and care.

It wasn’t just repotting — It reminded me of the rose from The Little Prince.

💡 5. Back Under the Grow Lights

At home, I placed the basil on my indoor shelf under warm grow lights.
It’s been over ten days now.

And guess what? The basil is growing beautifully — strong, upright, and full of life.
all they need is someone who sees them — and stays.

• Ever brought home a misunderstood plant? You’re not alone 
• Let’s grow with more awareness, not fear. Follow for more indoor plant lessons and care stories.
• #Greenfingers #BasilCare #PlantStories #FleaMarketPlants