UPDATE: Just announced! Gardening experts reveal essential tips to help revive your shop-bought basil plants and maximize their growth potential. As summer heats up, many home cooks are looking to enhance their meals with fresh basil, known for its vibrant flavor and culinary versatility.

Basil is a key ingredient in numerous dishes and drinks, including savory sauces like pesto, salads, and even cocktails. Unfortunately, the frustration of wilted and yellowing basil is a common experience for many. But with a little extra care, your basil can flourish and become a stunning addition to your kitchen.

Experts recommend these urgent steps to ensure your basil plant thrives:

1. Repot Immediately: Transfer your basil to a larger container to give it the room it needs to grow. The original pots are often restrictive, limiting its potential. A bigger pot means a bigger and healthier basil plant.

2. Water from Below: To ensure robust root growth, place your pot in a large saucer filled with water. This method allows the plant to absorb moisture through its roots without risking oversaturation or fungal diseases.

3. Find the Sun: Basil thrives in sunlight! Position your plant on a sunny windowsill or a sun-trap location to soak up those vital rays. More sunlight means more flavor in those delicious meals.

4. Trim, Don’t Pluck: For optimal growth, trim the top of the stem when you need basil, rather than picking individual leaves. This method encourages healthy growth and allows the plant to flourish over time. Remember to wait about a month before trimming, giving your basil time to establish its roots.

These tips come as many are turning to home gardening to enhance their meals with fresh ingredients. The demand for basil is peaking as more people explore cooking with fresh herbs, especially in popular cuisines like those from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Basil not only elevates flavors but also provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for any meal. By investing time in caring for your basil plant, you can enjoy the profound satisfaction of using home-grown herbs in your cooking.

As of July 15, 2023, now is the perfect time to implement these strategies and ensure your basil plant thrives. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your culinary creations with fresh, vibrant basil!

Stay tuned for more gardening tips and updates to make the most of your home-grown herbs. Share this with your friends and fellow cooking enthusiasts to help them enhance their kitchens too!

UPDATE: A shocking incident in Limerick has left a mother with permanent scars after her daughter assaulted her with a Heineken bottle during an argument over loud music. The attack occurred at approximately 2:30 AM in April 2022, and the mother, in her 50s, has described the incident as a “completely unprovoked attack.”

The accused, a woman in her 20s, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Limerick Circuit Court on Monday, where details of the harrowing event were outlined by prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley. According to court reports, the mother had asked her daughter to lower the volume, which escalated into violence.

During the incident, the mother was hit twice with the bottle, resulting in deep lacerations to her lower lip and forehead. Immediate medical attention was required, and she underwent multiple stitches to treat her injuries. Buckley stated, “The victim described blood flowing immediately, with her lip, nose, and forehead all ‘split open’.”

The mother has since expressed fear of her own daughter, stating that she feels a constant reminder of the attack every time she looks in the mirror. In her victim impact statement, she shared, “I feel like I can constantly see the scar… it hurts my self-esteem.” She is now contemplating leaving Croom due to the emotional toll of the incident.

The court heard from defense barrister Liam Carroll BL, who highlighted that the incident stemmed from a troubled family dynamic, exacerbated by alcohol use. He emphasized that the accused has made significant changes in her life since then, with no further issues with law enforcement.

Despite this, the court was informed that the accused has a history of public order offenses, raising concerns about her behavior. Judge Daly stated he would take all factors into consideration before announcing a sentence.

As details of this case continue to develop, authorities are urging families to seek help in managing conflicts, particularly in environments where substance abuse is involved. The emotional and physical scars from such incidents can have long-lasting effects on family relationships.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol-fueled violence and the devastating impact it can have on families. More updates on the outcome of the sentencing and the ongoing effects of this tragic event are expected in the coming days.

URGENT UPDATE: Niamh de Brún, the well-known Kilkenny influencer and lifestyle content creator, has been confirmed as the special guest judge for the highly anticipated ‘Style Evening’ at Tramore Races on Saturday, August 16, 2023. This event, proudly sponsored by Waterford Castle, promises an exciting showcase of fashion and style among racegoers.

The ‘Style Evening’ is set to offer attendees a chance to win incredible prizes, including a grand prize of a two-night stay at Waterford Castle that features dinner on one night and €500 in cash. Three additional finalists will also be awarded fantastic runner-up prizes, ensuring a thrilling competition for fashion enthusiasts.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all the fantastic style on display at the races,” Niamh de Brún stated. “It’s always a brilliant evening, and I’m excited to see everyone’s take on race day fashion. Expect some tough decisions, in the best way,” she added, highlighting the competitive spirit of this year’s event.

Tickets for the ‘Style Evening’ are available for purchase online at www.tramoreraces.ie. With the event fast approaching, fashion lovers are encouraged to secure their tickets now to participate in this extraordinary evening filled with style and excitement.

The buzz around the event is palpable, with many attendees eager to showcase their unique fashion choices in hopes of impressing the judging panel. As Kilkenny’s own de Brún takes on this significant role, her presence is sure to elevate the event’s profile and attract a larger crowd.

This is not just about fashion; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate creativity and style in a vibrant atmosphere. The excitement surrounding the ‘Style Evening’ is building, and it promises to be a highlight of the summer racing calendar.

Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws nearer, and don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting occasion!

BREAKING: Antoinette Cunningham, former General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGSI), revealed in a court hearing today how she endured “blatantly false, vile social media attacks” that left her feeling profoundly distressed and helpless. The man behind these “sinister” online messages, Andrew McGovern, aged 38, from Rathowen, Co. Westmeath, has been remanded on continuing bail as the court prepares for his sentencing on September 4, 2023.

Cunningham, who served as head of the AGSI until her retirement last year, described the emotional toll of McGovern’s harassment during proceedings at Mullingar District Court. She stated, “I felt helpless to defend myself,” highlighting the severe impact of online vilification on her personal well-being.

McGovern pleaded guilty to distributing threatening and grossly offensive communications about Cunningham between March 16 and March 30, 2023. The offence falls under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, which carries a potential six-month sentence. During the court session, Judge Bernadette Owens addressed McGovern’s previous failure to appear in court, which led to a bench warrant for his arrest.

Detective Sergeant Alan Farrelly outlined the case details, stating that McGovern sent five direct messages to Cunningham, falsely claiming she was his godmother. The situation escalated with public posts on social media, which included unfounded allegations against her.

In a poignant victim impact statement, Cunningham expressed her dismay at the “toxic side of social media.” She emphasized how the attacks violated her privacy and damaged her integrity, stating, “These messages had a profoundly negative effect on me, filled with hate and lies.”

The distress caused by the harassment led Cunningham to feel an overwhelming pressure to maintain a facade of normality while grappling with the emotional fallout. She criticized the social media platform for failing to take action against such criminal offenses, stating, “I find it deeply upsetting that something that is a criminal offence in this country is not accepted as a breach of social media rules.”

Cunningham’s remarkable career includes making history in 2018 as the first full-time female official in a Garda representative organization. Following her retirement, she has transitioned to a role as an employer relations executive with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec).

As the case unfolds, the legal proceedings against McGovern continue to attract attention, particularly regarding the responsibilities of social media platforms in managing harmful content. The court has ordered a probation report, which may lead to a psychiatric assessment for McGovern, although Judge Owens expressed skepticism about pursuing that route.

This case underscores the urgent need for greater accountability in online communications and the profound impact that harassment can have on individuals. As the sentencing date approaches, all eyes are on how justice will be served in light of these troubling allegations.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.