Sweet Basil

What you'll need:

Sweet basil seeds or small seedlings (available at garden centers, supermarkets, or online)

A pot (at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes) or a sunny spot in your garden

Regular potting soil (if the soil feels too heavy, mix in a bit of sand or perlite to lighten it up)

Watering can or spray bottle

• A sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

When to start:

Sweet basil loves warmth and grows best when temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). If you're starting indoors, you can begin sowing seeds about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. If planting directly outdoors, wait until after the danger of frost has passed, usually in late spring or early summer.

Choosing the right spot:

Sweet basil thrives in full sun, so find a place where it can soak up plenty of sunshine. If you're growing indoors, a sunny windowsill or balcony will work perfectly.

If using seeds:

1. Fill your pot with moist soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil, spacing them out evenly (about 1 inch apart).
3. Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil—no more than ¼ inch deep.
4. Gently water the soil using a spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. Seeds should germinate in 5-10 days.

If using seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, just big enough to fit the root ball of the seedling.
2. Gently remove the seedling from its container and place it in the hole.
3. Cover the roots with soil and pat it down gently to secure the plant.
4. Water the seedling immediately after planting.

Planting tips:

• If planting multiple basil plants, space them about 10-12 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• Basil doesn’t like being overcrowded, so if you’re using a large pot, plant no more than 2-3 seedlings per pot.
• After planting, sprinkle a little fertilizer around the base of the plant and mix it lightly into the soil.

Watering:

• Basil likes moisture but doesn’t want to sit in water. Water regularly, keeping the soil damp but not soggy.
• In hot weather, you may need to water every day. Check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which could lead to fungal diseases.

Sunlight:

• Sweet basil loves sunlight! Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If it’s too shady, the plant will become leggy and produce fewer leaves.
• If growing indoors, place the pot near a south-facing window or use a grow light if needed.

Pruning and pinching:

• Once your basil plant has grown about 6 inches tall, pinch off the top set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to branch out and grow bushier.
• Regularly harvest or pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear. Flowering can make the leaves taste bitter, so you want to prevent this by keeping the plant focused on leaf production.

Feeding:

• Feed your basil plant with a light dose of liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. You don’t need much—just enough to keep it healthy without overdoing it.
• Too much fertilizer can reduce the flavor of the leaves, so go easy!

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting basil leaves once the plant has grown at least 6-8 sets of leaves.
• The best time to pick basil is in the morning when the leaves are full of moisture and flavor.
• Don’t take more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this allows it to keep growing and producing more leaves.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off individual leaves or stem sections.
• To encourage new growth, cut just above a pair of leaves or a branching point.
• Regular harvesting actually helps the plant stay healthy and bushy!

Storing basil:

• Fresh basil leaves are best used within a few days. Store them in a glass of water (like a bouquet) on your kitchen counter, changing the water daily.
• For longer storage, you can freeze basil leaves or turn them into pesto and store it in the freezer.
• Avoid storing fresh basil in the fridge—it doesn’t like the cold and can turn black quickly.

Q: Why are my basil leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves often mean your basil is getting too much water or not enough nutrients. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not staying soggy. Also, check if it’s time to feed your plant!

Q: Can I grow basil indoors?

A: Yes, absolutely! As long as it gets enough sunlight (or artificial light), basil can thrive indoors. Just make sure to water it properly and give it space to grow.

Q: My basil plant is flowering—what do I do?

A: Pinch off the flowers as soon as you see them. Flowering can change the flavor of the leaves and slow down leaf production. Regular pruning will keep your plant focused on growing tasty leaves.

Q: How do I prevent pests on my basil?

A: Basil is generally pretty hardy, but aphids or spider mites can sometimes be a problem. Spray the plant with a mix of water and mild dish soap to get rid of pests, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Q: Can I grow basil from cuttings?

A: Yes! You can propagate basil from cuttings. Simply take a 4-6 inch cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water. Once roots form (usually in 1-2 weeks), plant it in soil.