Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most commonly used herbs in the kitchen, especially the fresh leaves. But, as an annual plant, they only last for one season. Instead of buying basil year after ...

Basil is easily the most popular herb grown in our gardens. With its delicious, distinctive flavor, basil makes the perfect garnish for Italian-style dishes and is a main ingredient in pesto. Growing ...

Regularly harvesting basil helps the plant stay bushy, healthy, and productive for a longer growing season. Pick leaves by gently pinching from the top down, which encourages fuller growth and ...

Basil is a heat-loving summer herb that doesn't germinate reliably in New Zealand's variable spring conditions. However, you can still sow the seed in trays under cover or indoors to get a head start.

Another great aspect of harvest season is that it’s the time of year when most plantsgo to seed, thus ensuring a strong new crop for the following spring. Those of you with food gardens have probably ...

Fill a small pot or pots with moist multipurpose compost. Sprinkle your seeds thinly (about 10 seeds per pot) and cover with a very fine layer of compost. Place your pots on a warm windowsill. Keep ...

WHILE many of our favourite herbs are easy-to-grow perennials that can survive most British winters outdoors, basil is a much more delicate proposition. Other Mediterranean or hot climate herbs, such ...

The basil plant in my garden is just holding on. It’s not long for this season, so it’s time to harvest what I can and make batches of pesto and basil oil. Pesto I pop into ice cube trays, freeze and ...