You should not wash basil before storing it, as moisture is the number one enemy of fresh basil leaves. Washing basil before storage introduces excess water that speeds up decay, causes black spots, and turns those beautiful green leaves into a slimy mess in just a couple of days. If you’ve been in the habit … Read more
You should top basil plants to encourage bushier growth, more leaves, and a healthier, more productive plant overall. If you’ve ever wondered whether topping basil is a good idea or if you might accidentally kill your herb, the short answer is that topping is one of the best things you can do for your … Read more
You should use basil stems in pesto, and honestly, you’ve probably been missing out if you’ve been tossing them in the compost. Using basil stems in pesto isn’t just a clever kitchen hack to reduce waste, it’s a legitimate way to add more flavor and a smoother texture to your sauce. So, should … Read more
You should trim basil plant regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy and woody. When you trim basil plant stems just above a pair of leaves, the plant responds by sending out two new shoots from that spot. This simple act of trimming basil plant growth not only gives … Read more
You should trim basil when it flowers, as doing so keeps the plant productive, flavorful, and healthy. When basil flowers, it signals that the plant is shifting its energy from producing those fragrant leaves to setting seeds, and that shift changes the flavor profile. If you’ve noticed your basil sending up those tall … Read more
Yes, you should thin basil seedlings. Thinning basil seedlings is one of the simplest and most important steps for growing strong, bushy, and flavorful basil plants. If you’ve ever sown a packet of basil seeds and watched a thick carpet of tiny green sprouts emerge, you know exactly how crowded things can get. … Read more
You should store basil in the fridge, but only if you do it the right way, because fresh basil is notoriously delicate and can turn into a sad, slimy mess if you just toss it in there. The answer to whether you should store basil in the fridge isn’t a simple yes or no, … Read more
You should store fresh basil in the fridge, but only if you do it the right way. Storing fresh basil in the fridge is a common practice, yet it can quickly turn your vibrant herbs into a sad, black mess if you aren’t careful. The truth is that fresh basil is incredibly sensitive to cold … Read more
You should start basil seeds indoors if you want a head start on the growing season. Starting basil seeds indoors is the most reliable way to get strong, healthy plants ready for your garden. If you’ve ever wondered should you start basil seeds indoors, the answer is a confident yes for most gardeners. … Read more
You should separate basil plants to give each one the best chance to grow into a full, healthy, and productive plant. Many gardeners wonder if separating basil plants is worth the effort, especially when they’re staring at a dense clump of seedlings all crammed into one tiny pot. The short answer is yes, you should … Read more