How NOT to Harvest Basil

Here’s a mistake NOT to make when harvesting basil as well as HOW and WHEN to harvest the RIGHT way so you have plenty of basil all summer!
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[@CaliKim29]

Have you ever made this mistake with your basil? 25% off CaliKim Seed Collections, CK Smart Pots, books, and garden kits with code “KALE” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Free KALE seeds w/ purchase (expires 7/18/23). 🍅 July Grow Your Groceries Subscription Box theme is "Late Summer Garden"! $7 off your first box w/ code “LATESUMMERGARDEN” or “JULYSUBBOX”: bit.ly/CaliKimGrowYourGroceriesWithCaliKimSubscriptionBox. FREE July Box Bonus: Hoselink Quick-connect Accessory Add-on Pack ($15 value) to use on your existing watering for a quick connection every time. Visit www.hoselink.com for retractable hose reels, solar lights and more.

[@margaretlewis75]

Yes I do my first time gardening so excited. Pray for me .

[@CaliKim29]

You got this! Margaret, LOVE your energy and enthusiasm! Do things in small bites and take it nice and easy! If something dies...no biggy!! Try it again - CK

[@YoungunaI3]

This is my first year as well and I’m just as excited! I started making a list of the things I want to try next year lol. So far so good this year. Happy growing to you 💚

[@Stephanie_Cumbie]

Every time you do a video, I get excited all over again about whatever plant you’re teaching us about! :-) Good job as always!

[@CaliKim29]

Can I frame this! ?? Love ya' Stephanie! Kim

[@watchingforjesus24-7]

I have basil from one of your seed collections! They are growing nicely in a fabric container, and I just harvested more today and made pesto. Had some fresh in pasta and put the extra in the freezer. I'm taking a few clippings, letting them root in a glass, and I'll be giving them to family. Sharing is caring lol

[@CaliKim29]

You are on point!!! Isn't it fun to give to others!!! Nice job!

[@lindajones9191]

Thanks for this video! I'm growing 9 types of basil and wasn't sure how to harvest it right. Most of the plants have flowered, which is fine as I love the look, (especially the persian basil) and it's great for the pollinators, but thanks to you the genovese basil seedlings I have just started will actually produce tasty basil now that I understand proper harvesting. I also really appreciate the storage and drying tips!

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful! Great job, Linda! I love reading these kinds of posts!!! Great job -

[@Gkrissy]

Nice video. Now I realized I was harvesting my basil incorrectly.

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful! You got this! I"m with ya'! Kim

[@kathysellberg8840]

Thank you this! My son was given a basil plant by his girlfriend (not sure why) and he named it Ferguson (again, not sure why. I think he was just being silly). Even after they broke up, he kept it and would make starts of it. Well, poor Ferguson was struggling, not growing, and he had several starts that were growing so he was going to throw Ferguson in the trash. I asked to take it home and see what I could do. I came across your video and am going to try your tips. I've never eaten basil but maybe I will now!

[@CaliKim29]

Probably THE most unique gardening love dramas to date !! Too funny ! You MUST keep us all posted on this one!

[@CharMac76]

Hello! I have about 7 varieties of basil growing in my garden. Those were for the pollinators. I just started more for myself. I plan to keep a variety of two going indoors during the winter as well. 😊

[@CaliKim29]

That sounds really nice!!! As always, you are on point! Thank you so much for your comments, Char! Kim

[@YoungunaI3]

I ran across your video after doing a quick search. One of my basil plants just started to flower. I needed to know if I should take it off or not. Glad I saw this. Very informative. 💚

[@CaliKim29]

So nice of you to comment, I LOVE these kinds of stories, this makes me happy!! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@sandyhall9141]

Thanks. Great video and informative. I love having the Pesto in serving sizes in the freezer for pasta and pizzas.

[@juliaschreiber7819]

I did not plant basil this year, but I have volunteers. It readily reseeds.

[@CaliKim29]

LOVE when that happens!!! GREAT Post! CK

[@ed01zo]

I go to the grocery store and buy my basil usually get about 12 plants and one little bundle there they sell it to eat, but you can grow it stick it straight in the ground grow instead of paying four dollars for one about 12 or four dollars

[@CaliKim29]

Exactly 👍!!!

[@ShelitaRN]

Hey pretty lady Kim! Great video, I need to harvest my basil faster instead of waiting!

[@CaliKim29]

(Thank you) Great to hear that you are learning at what to do! Great job, Shelita!

[@carolannspence8057]

I’m growing basil 🌿 and I love the flavor😊Good tips, thanks

[@budgetgardeningvita]

Basil is the best. I love it with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and some balsamic glaze. Yum!!

[@CaliKim29]

Oh yes! right there with you!! Kim

[@clairequinn8665]

Hello this is my very first experience with farming. Basil was not successful but I am enjoying your teaching on caring for Basil. Thanks 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Claire - welcome to the wonderful world of growing your own food! Don't give up on basil yet. It's easy to grow from seed - try starting some seeds indoors if you're having trouble starting seeds outside. More info in my Grow Your Groceries playlist. Keep me posted!

[@marcela8502]

I’m going to try again. I’m in love with basil and get tired of buying. I’ve tried several times to grow it but not successful 😢. I’m going to follow your tips.

[@CaliKim29]

Go for it! I suggest going to my main channel home page - you'll see a small magnifying glass search button that will search my videos. Search for Basil ...and do watch some before you start. Also, start in small amounts so it's not too overwhelming...go one step at a time! Welcome aboard Marcela, great to have you along...you've got plenty of support here - Kim

[@awesomesince73]

I'm growing the giant basil from your seed collection and OMG! they are huge leaves. It doesn't smell like basil though? How/when do I harvest it and do I use it to make pesto? Never seen this kind before.

[@karengreen4199]

First time in container, thanks for this info. I was not sure when it could be harvest.

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thegreenpincushion510]

I’m a new gardener and love growing basil! Like you, I use my basil to make pesto.

[@CaliKim29]

That's wonderful!!! Sounds fantastic!! CK

[@tysonmayberry1208]

outstanding! answered all my questions

[@CaliKim29]

Good. Love it when that happens! Thanks for sharing that!

[@stephenhope7319]

Basil is also a good companion plant for tomatoes. I like to grow at least one purple basil and let it go to flower to attract pollinators. I harvest basil as you suggest and I grow enough plants to also dry and make dry basil for the winter months.

[@CaliKim29]

Nice job, Stephen! Keep it going !! Kim

[@susanelliott7728]

Thank you! Very helpful information.

[@CaliKim29]

you are so welcome, Susan! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment! CK. How is your garden growing?

[@NewDimension7]

Basil yeay .. Nice sharing

[@teriwilliams4212]

My Basil is looking perfect this year! No bugs so far. 🙏

[@CaliKim29]

YAY, Teri!!!!! CK/CG

[@chrissyhomegardendiy]

I love basil plant and other herbs plants too.

[@CaliKim29]

Nice, Chrissy!!! Kim

[@margaretlewis75]

Love e this video so helpful

[@secretshaman189]

Great tips, thank-you as a beginning herb gardener.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi secretshaman, Glad it was helpful! Herbs are one of the easiest crops to start with and add such a punch of flavor. Enjoy!

[@LifeAsTeeInThisWeirdWorld]

I love growing basil, it's so delicious. I love adding it to spaghetti

[@CaliKim29]

It really is! That does sound good! Great suggestion!!

[@christinedebarros6597]

This was perfect timing!

[@CaliKim29]

LOVE when that happens!

[@carolmycin20]

Ate some of my basil tonight with my tomatoes. So good!

[@CaliKim29]

Wonderful! Love hearing this, Carol! CK

[@mikimauski]

❤ love basil! Great tips for new gardeners and a reminder to veterans 🌿 I have my basil in a different garden space and have kinda forgotten about this summer. Oops

[@CaliKim29]

Hello Miki - glad you enjoyed the tips and even if you forget about your basil, the bees will love the flowers! And you can eat the flowers too! The good thing is, it's so easy to grow from seed this time of the year, you can quickly have a new crop. Have fun!

[@mikimauski]

@@CaliKim29 thankfully I live in Wisconsin and my basil hasn't even started to flower yet! But I better get using it 😊

[@vee5032]

Ooop I always say hi to Mac sorry boy woof woof 🐾

[@CaliKim29]

As always...he says Hi back -

[@rominaagius5955]

Every year i buy and plant them in my garden

[@CaliKim29]

Perfect!!! CK

[@inkandred]

Hi Kim, thank you, you are so helpful. You solved a big problem between me and my partner! He won, 😂 but I wonder if we do it your way, what about the leaves that are under the node? Some are ab 3-4 inches and I wonder if they just keep growing until it’s their time to be harvested?

[@waldorules7725]

I’m growing the Italian large leaf basil. It’s delicious! I did not know how to properly harvest it, so thank you! I also learned how to store it. Do you have a favorite way to dry basil? 😊

[@CaliKim29]

That's awesome to hear that you're enjoying your Italian large leaf basil! Harvesting it properly makes such a difference in flavor, right? For drying basil, my favorite way is to hang bundles upside down in a dry, airy place until they're crispy. Then, I crumble the leaves into jars for easy use all year round. Enjoy your basil harvest! CK

[@waldorules7725]

Thank you! I’ll try it! 😊

[@poemsforgod2548]

Yay I am doing this right /grin I make pesto with mine and eatit all the time I am like a kid in a candy store as soon as something ripens I eat it lol Having a lot of fun wish I had done this earlier in my life /shrug thank you for all you help I am going to try to budget some of your monthly pkgs when the AC bills go down love and blessings

[@CaliKim29]

Helo Poems for God - love this! That's what gardening is all about, enjoying what you grow, harvest and eat to the fullest. I hear ya on those AC bills, whew it's hot this summer! Thanks for your support look forward to sending you seeds or our sub box at some point in the future! Keep on growing and having fun!

[@Wellbaby94]

Basil is flourishing-one of the few things really enjoying our 100+++ temps

[@CaliKim29]

Hi wellbaby - that's great - so glad it's still going strong! It's one of the crops I don't have covered with shade cloth right now and it's taking the heat like a champ. Stay cool and hydrated, hope if cools down soon for you!

[@nicolehourie6034]

I have several kinds of basil planted and growing in my garden!!!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Nicole, always fun to grow different "flavors" of basil and enjoy them in different recipes. Way to go!

[@Phoenix-TheRisingMommy]

Thank you

[@CaliKim29]

You're welcome ! CK

[@andreanease4215]

I bought cheap seeds from the dollar store because I wasn’t sure I would stick with gardening. My basil looks really tiny in comparison to other videos I watch. But there’s several pairs of leaves growing on the stalk. It doesn’t seem to be growing very much anymore if at all. Is it just small and I should trim it down like you showed? Or will they get bigger and I should wait? No flowers.

[@vee5032]

My basil es going to flower to fast the heat doesn’t help, but is okay the bees love them and they can have something to eat 🥰 I have a few that I cut constantly for my use 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Great job, Vee. You are a great gardener! Thank you for commenting!

[@gailf.5018]

I planted Genovese, Thai, Persian & Greek basil this year. ❤

[@CaliKim29]

Nice job !! Keep on it ! CK

[@Elena-zm4fc]

Does anyone know how they differ in taste?

[@keithrodz6485]

I hear the train kim and very good tip🌶🥕

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Keith - it came by just at the right time! Glad you like the tip, you'll always have lots of basil if you harvest this way. Thanks for stopping by!

[@rosaarias7128]

thank you.

[@CaliKim29]

You got it! You'll have a ton of basil when you harvest this way. Thanks for watching, Rosaarias!

[@kelsie9912]

Love your videos @CaliKim29 I have a question though, I planted my basil from small seedlings this year (been in ground for about 1.5-2 months, barely grew (they are only about 10cm tall!) but are already firm and not soft like usual. Any ideas why they would be so tough already when they are still so small?

[@CaliKim29]

Possibly depending on where you live? Could be too cold, or not getting enough sunlight...does this line up at all with your scenario, Kelsie? sorry for my delay -

[@timlist4173]

We have basil this tear, have been harvesting it wrong. Thanks for the tip. Also, we will be moving soon, so new garden beds are in our future. Any tips?

[@CaliKim29]

You got it! As for new location tips! Before you build, watch the sun throughout the day....sunrise to sunset, and build/plant accordingly. Kim

[@JosieRasay-pe2lc]

I have sweet basil growing and just watched your video on pruning. I tried off the flowers, Is that okay or should I start over again

[@CaliKim29]

If you've already cut off the flowers, you don't need to start over. Just continue pruning regularly, focusing on cutting above leaf nodes and maintaining a good shape for the plant. Your basil should respond well and continue to grow vigorously-LMK! CaliKim

[@cynthiamarangoni5218]

Yes we have basil growing right along with our tomatoes.

[@CaliKim29]

Perfect way to grow it, you can't beat the flavor combination! Thanks for watching, Cynthia!

[@whipsandchains1]

I don't know why basil is so hard for me to grow outdoors. I get so many white flies. I'm close to you, huntington beach.

[@saraquigley5414]

my newest go-to preservation method for a year's worth of basil: pick, wash, chop in the food processor with some olive oil, then put it all in a freezer bag and smooth it out into a thin layer, pushing the air out. Freeze the bag on a cookie sheet so that the bag is easier to store (flat), and then whenever I need basil, just go in and break off the amount I need.

[@CaliKim29]

Thanks for sharing!

[@roottrackerzbyyaira]

Growing Cinnamon Basil 1st time!

[@CaliKim29]

Hey nice, Root, keep us all posted. You got this. CK

[@teresabradley]

My basil has developed black spots on the leaves. Help! I have no idea what to do. Thanks for any advice!

[@CaliKim29]

Yikes, that's a bummer - let's see: Black spots on basil leaves can be caused by fungal infections, pests, environmental stress, or nutrient deficiencies. Fungal pathogens like Cercospora or Alternaria can lead to black spots, and to address this, you should remove affected leaves, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Pests like aphids or spider mites can also damage leaves, so inspect the plant and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Environmental stress from overwatering, poor drainage, or temperature extremes can stress the plant, so make sure the soil is well-draining and water only when the top inch of soil is dry, maintaining consistent temperatures. Nutrient deficiencies might also cause discoloration and spots; using a balanced fertilizer can help. ACTION: To keep your basil healthy, water at the base of the plant, provide adequate spacing for good air circulation, ensure it gets 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, and use well-draining soil. If the issue persists, consulting a local garden center or extension service may provide specific advice for your region and growing conditions. Hope this helps, Teresa!! Catch our livestream this Monday 12pm PT, you can also ask Monterey Lawn & Garden in the chat - see what they say....so sorry! Hang in there -

[@dymonicreed7521]

Yes, I have sweet basil and lemon basil.

[@CaliKim29]

Nice going, both are delicious varieties! Which one is your fav?

[@dymonicreed7521]

@@CaliKim29 The lemon basil.

[@jeffswendrowski5116]

I need guidance I can’t seem to discourage squirrels from stealing my green tomatoes and before that they bit in half , half of my basil plants. Now it’s tomatoes nonstop

[@Elena-zm4fc]

Do you harvest thyme, oregano and mint in the same way?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Elena, yes! For most herbs, the more you harvest, the more they grow. Those herbs can also be propagated just like basil. Like basil, mint will root very quickly but thyme and oregano take much longer. Enjoy your herbs!