Growing The Best Basil - The Definitive Guide

Nothing Beats Fresh Basil. As a member of the Mint family, this tropical herb is as easy to grow from seed as it is from rooted cuttings. Equally at home indoors or outside, today we're going to deep dive into the world of Basil!
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In this video, we'll explore basic care, general requirements, seed planting, germination, container growing, watering, soil types, harvesting, and of course re-growing from cuttings. Sit back, relax, and let's talk some Basil!
Other herb videos of interest:
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Indoor Herb Growing Guide: • Indoor Herb Gardens - ...
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Unlimited Thyme From Cuttings: • Grow Unlimited Thyme F...
Growing Cilantro Indoors: • How To Grow Cilantro I...
Saving Cilantro Seeds: • How To Harvest And Sav...
Unlimited Basil: • Basil Propagation - Th...
Hey, for those that don't know, the website is now live! Check it out here, there's going to be some exciting new things happening!: theripetomatofarms.ca/
2023 is the Year of the Garden! We deserve it after the last little while, and growing our own food and self sufficiency is just the reward we need to get back on track!
For more information on all your gardening questions, check out my other videos!:
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DIY Ultimate Potting Mix: • Make Your Own Potting ...
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#basil #herbs #gardening

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

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[@rodnawilliams9398]

i planted basil with almost everything this year .. this is my first time of ever growing it, or even smelling it fresh ... and OMG - i absolutely love the smell of the basil in the garden .. when the breeze blows you get a hint of the wonderful fragrance .. when i water, i can smell the basil .. just brushing up against it gives off a wonderful smell that fills the senses and brightens my day .. i will always grow basil now

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

Basil seeds require heat to germinate, which is something I didn't know before. I would always sow them in pots and end up waiting forever. This year I sprinkled them lightly on a damp paper towel and placed them over the pilot light. (A heat mat will work too.) I got germination practically overnight. Since the seeds are tiny, rather than picking them out, I lifted the paper towel out and laid that on the soil, then covered it with a dusting. Got a lot more surviving plants this year.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yeah, 80F is ideal. Cilantro too. After they get true leaves, you can dial back the temps. :-)

[@juliefriedrich92]

will a grow light keep it warm enough?@@TheRipeTomatoFarms

[@nichl474]

They also need sunlight to germinate. If the seed doesn't get any sun, it assumes the time is not right and doesn't germinate

[@robertvickery5967]

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[@denisebiely5998]

Been growing mind for years. I dry many of my herbs. I keep some fresh. Basil is my favorite.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yeah, mine too.... I could eat it with everything!

[@horsefamily32]

Ughh, I've been doing my basil dirty for so long. No wonder it always bolts, wilts, and doesn't get healthy. I just got a new healthy plant and now that I've watched this video, I know my basil will finally be healthy. Thanks so much for your informative videos

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

So glad to help! Let us know how the next batch goes!

[@rusteros2]

@horsefamily32 what have you been doing wrong?

[@davidthedeaf]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarmsthe only variety I have found grew well for me where I live in containers is Amazel Basil. Have you tried it?

[@melanieconner9193]

By far the best video on basil I’ve ever seen! Thank you! I’m on to carrots now!❤

[@trishsmith2811]

I’ve always picked the leaves off and then was irritated when the basil bolted and I didn’t have near enough to make all the pesto I needed through the winter. Good grief! Your video is the first one that explained so much! I’m feeling a little dumb that I didn’t figure it out but it shows why I’m a subscriber! Who says you can’t teach an old woman new tricks?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I did that too Trish, don't feel dumb! For years and years and I wondered why my plants only lasted a month instead of the whole summer, ha ha!

[@lilliananderson1986]

If you’re like me and get anxiety while shopping. I rub some Nasir cilantro between my fingers and breathe it in through my nose a few times. Try it. It gives me relief.

[@elkhot1954]

You are the best educator, very knowledgeable, above all you love what you do,add honesty as well

[@MyDogRunner]

Best basil video ever! Thank you!

[@angelanice]

I've been loving the information in your videos but haven't been able to apply it, except today! Basil was the first plant I grew this year, along with parsley and oregano and the basil is thriving! Now I know how to harvest it properly and keep it going for years to come ❤

[@kathrynlloyd3656]

You have presented this in such a way that is very easy to follow and understand. Thank you!

[@eryncalobeer]

Thank you for a great video. I love Basil but have struggled keeping it going. Your information was very helpful.

[@glomontero6011]

You have such a soothing voice. I can really grasp what u r saying. Thank you.

[@jaimieevette3962]

I planted some seeds indoors at the beginning of the year. Now I have basil everywhere! In pots and rooting in mason jars outside. Jars and jars inside. It’s so easy to grow here in OK even tho it’s 110 here today. I have it in the shade of my porch and it’s prolific. I love basil ❤

[@clairequinn8665]

Hi I love how you trim your Basil. Thanks for your video😊😊

[@meganmcguire2122]

I really like how thorough you are. I really learned a lot, and I am using basil for my teas in the summertime. Thank you!

[@Mariposa_46]

This is the best video about basil I have ever watched - and I have watched many. I am saving this and sharing this with my garden friends.

[@charleec.272]

Thank you for this video! You are such a great teacher. I’m going to cut back my basil plant today! Thanks again.

[@PHYTOPLANKTON1987]

I love your voice , it makes me smile

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! It's the only one I got!

[@Ghengiskhansmum]

It's how the plants grow. Talking them up😊

[@emmalobster4481]

Basil loves coffee grinds too

[@iris6103]

Thank you making such an informative, easy to follow, and engaging video!! Love the way you film and transition

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Iris, thanks so much for watching!

[@laurencecrouch3634]

Thank you for this great video - very useful!!

[@waynesell3681]

Definitive for sure Jeff! Really like the recaps. Gonna grow from seeds . Only 2nd time I've tried Basil

[@donnakacz6460]

Hi Jeff. I haven't started any herbs at all. I'm still sticking to my few veggies that are coming along, so so. Lettuce is growing, I guess, especially fast. Green pole beans don't seem to be moving along as I would have hoped. Cakes are ok. Tomatoes are good. Carrots, well, I have to watch your video again. I'm not sure when they'll be ready. Spinach is right there with the lettuce. So, all in all, you taught me well. Now, as for herbs. I have seeds. I just have my hands full since coming to Geogia. My grandsons are a handful. And November 1st is the frost date. Gee, I'm all over the place with this comment. But I have 2 little boys literally jumping on my back. Lol. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some basil going in the next couple of days. Thanks, Jeff. You're a great help. Take care, and God bless ❤

[@PauletteHunter123]

Thank you so much Jeff, excellent video. A must share with my adult children.

[@smothclipsers]

Lol everytime I look up a plant video I put "tomatoes" at the end cause your my favorite and always have a video for me!

[@user-xe7wd1wt7f]

Really good solid information, covered all my queries, thank you 🇬🇧

[@andrescosta2992]

Best Basil Growing Lesson....gracias 🌱

[@heatsourcemusic2539]

Great video! Thanks for the info ❤❤

[@jimmydemetriou7847]

Great video, you didn't rush through the details which is very helpful. Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey thanks Jimmy, and thanks for watching!

[@BejaVue]

Thank you for this awesome video. This year for the first time I started dazzle from seeds. It seems like they grow faster when you put a cutting in water. I appreciate all your wonderful advice.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thanks for a very well explained video.

[@TDtheGreenMD]

Great video!

[@77bubba00]

Great video! I've learned a lot. I had a basil plant several years ago that I managed to keep going for 3 seasons. I kept it in a pot and put it indoors in a south facing window during the winter. I'd crop it down to just a few leaves and it would keep coming back! The stem was starting to look like a tree stump.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2023, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening! Seedling Trays! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3xiKAgi Amazon USA: amzn.to/3DWD2DR Amazon UK: amzn.to/3RRlrCQ pH/Water/Light Meter Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3yafmrV Amazon USA: amzn.to/3OKRW30 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3nvEIM4 Composting Tumbler! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39CgtYw Amazon USA: amzn.to/39Dha49 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3yLsKVf Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql Hand Pruners: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2YSIFxP Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8 Watering Can: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YR3p94 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa Spray Gun: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aBxijm Amazon USA: amzn.to/3aL7UHS Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z Gardening Gloves: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Lt6ZDx Amazon USA: amzn.to/3tzJ32t Amazon UK: amzn.to/3jpf1cU

[@pcngo1]

Love how you do the recap at the end! I recommend sectioning your video with time stamps for completeness. Thanks for your tips in my first Basil plant!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Great idea, thanks! I should definitely do that!

[@pamelamarshall3665]

That was great! I just planted my basil starts in the garden, and then I saw this video. I will plant a bit differently next year, as per your instructions, but I am sure they'll do fine anyway. And I will take your advice on how to prune and propagate, for forever basil!

[@laibiyassine6828]

thank you so much for the tips, they are perfect for beginners like myself and full of informative content. you deserve a follow . thank you for the hard work . keep up

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much for checking it out! Happy to help!

[@CrestoneColorado-yj4we]

Another great video. Looking forward to watching more.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much, appreciate it!

[@pax7511]

Great content, tyvm.

[@suzannebazeghi5698]

i really apriciate you it was the best metod of growing bazel and you answerd all my questions thanks a gain .greeting from canada

[@kathywalsh9312]

Great info! And it’s not too late for me to have basil, basil, basil!!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Aaaaaaannnd you can never have enough!!

[@jamesrhoades2224]

Absolutely fantastic tutorial!! My wife keeps telling me that I am giving the basil “too much TLC” ie, too much water, too much fertilizer and too much sun. Thanks for this article--well done.

[@jennyjohnson5428]

Thank you. I'm growing a lot of tomato varieties this year, & I want each pot to include basil (& dwarf marigold).

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Smart! Let us know how it goes!

[@yaseminylmaz6291]

Thank you so much!

[@dannyharper2587]

Man very very helpful thanks I really do appreciate it you explained it so so well

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Danny, happy to hear that.

[@bernardzammit6459]

Super informative

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@Roooooooobert]

Awesome video.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@AnnaNeame]

Very nice video’s! 👌🏻👍🏼

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks!

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

I have not had good luck getting basil to grow roots from cuttings. I'm not sure if it doesn't like my water or if I'm harvesting the wrong age of basil (on old plants vs new) or something else. I am at about a 50/50 success rate on if they grow roots or just die and rot in the water. Fortunately seeds are cheap and I can grow them that way. I don't have 8-9 month old Genovese/sweet basil, but I do have some that's about 5-6 months old (I bought it about 4 months ago and it was already well established) and is turning woody on some of the stems. I harvest it a lot and heavily. It is still tasty! I honestly am surprised it hasn't bolted yet. I bought it from the grocery store and uppotted it into a 5 gallon grow bag. It sits outside in horrible Houston weather (107F air temp yesterday, ugh) but sits facing east with a fence behind it, so it gets afternoon shade. I do have to water it every day, because even with tan grow bags, it is very dry by the end of the day. Curse this heat. There are other varieties of basil that are perennials (at least here) - Thai basil is a good one. My Thai basil is HUGE. One thing I am curious about - for Gen/sweet basil, flowering is bad and means the plant is done and the leaves won't be tasty anymore. But for other varieties, such as Thai and cinnamon basil, that's...not the case? Because they seem to flower and stay that way. Am I understanding that right?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

New plants with about 4-5 modest that haven't flowered yet are best

[@Billbobaker]

Good information thank you.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Bill, thanks for watching!

[@RiverRatRory]

‘No Doubt About It’ you gotta be a Canadian buddy, great video thank you. I’m a Canuck too.

[@lilliananderson1986]

Basil, watermelon and lime to taste. Blend in a blender. A party favorite. You may need 2-3 watermelons.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Wait, what is this concoction?? I've never heard of it!

[@moirad6579]

I have always struggled with basil... this info should help 🪴🪴🪴 Thanks!!

[@kyivstuff]

I bought a pot of rootbound basil in a supermarket. I unsuccessfully tried to separate it but in the end decided to just stick it in the potting soil using a cut 6 liter bottle as a container. I pruned all the smaller shoots, and watered it, and just left it on my sill positioning it in the spot where the sun could reach it at 5pm (my apartment is on the shadowed side). It’s been a month and it survived! One of the shoots closer to the window glass even bolted :) I plan on gathering seeds from it. I’m not risking to eat it because I live very closely to a busy road, but my room smells amazing!

[@AlissaPaige91]

I love growing basil, mint, and Sage with my tomatoes and lettuce.

[@msbrownbutter]

Thank you 😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers!

[@Silvereagledude]

Good stuff

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers PJ!

[@cyberninja76a]

nice info thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers, thanks for watching!

[@riverstun]

Basil flowers are good for the pollinators and you can strip the flowers and add them to your cooking like stripping thyme leaves.

[@krisyallowega5487]

I am gearing up to start my basil seeds in the next week or so. I will probably germinate whatever is left from the opened packet. I can always pass along a couple plants to family. I haven't paid too much attention to the extended forecasts but with the minimal snow this year? It maybe an early start to the garden season in Wpg. I don't know if I am going start any other herbs, I have cilantro, parsley, summer savory, thyme and maybe some russian tarragon seeds. Hope you have a great day.

[@shanebanks9561]

For small seeds like basil I mix them with a small amount of potting mix and sprinkle on top of the soil. So far it works well.

[@mommat5101]

Google says full sun..Now I know..Google didn't mean Florida full sun at 85°!! This explains why mine would always shrivel up & die! I'll bring this one inside lol w/fingers crossed.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

They do grow great indoors.

[@millieh.-nyc6537]

Hi Jeff, you always mulch which definitely shows how advantageous that is for plants. Unfortunately I'm a city girl & mulch like yours isn't quite easy to find. Can you please do a video on mulch from big box stores like Home Depot & Amazon. There are so many choices & I've read labels & I'm so confused. What's rubber mulch, colored mulch? So many. Thanks & be well.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

For sure, that's a great idea!

[@Ghengiskhansmum]

Just use dry grass clippings. I'm sure you have parks nearby. Ask the people who cut it to give you some, take home dry it and sprinkle some round your plants but just enough to cover the soil don't put it on thick.

[@kaf2303]

I do a similar cutting method with Swiss chard in my Aquapponic system.

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

I understood everything you explained and demonstrated, but I'm a bit in the dark as to how many plants to what size pot is optimal without crowding? TYFS

[@waveydavie]

I had no problem growing basil in a 3 x 3 metre (c. 10' x 10') hot air heated stone base bed in a 30 x 9 metre (c. 98' x 30') polytunnel in temperatures up to 50C (120F) near Oban on the west coast of Scotland. I had inter-planted garlic with it and onions, strawberries, amaranth and sunflowers.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

Sounds lovely & yummy, but I'm pretty sure your farenheight temp conversion is 'off'! 120° kills both plants & people! Living down in southeast Florida, USA, I know heat. Much respect to you for being able to grow in the cold. Wishing you great harvests!

[@NarsilRenewed]

This year, my 4 or 5 year-old basil plant died when I was away. It actually grew a woody trunk about the thickness of my pinky. I had potted a store-bought potted basil into a larger flat pot which I took outside every summer and carried back in to overwinter indoors along with the rest of my plants (I live in Zone 2). Only about 5 of the entire pot had survived; then there were only 3, then only one. I suppose I should have repotted it out of the same pot, but I was afraid to disturb the root system of this ratheer finicky plant. And this was probably what ended up killing it in the end, after 5 years…

[@Cherryparfait41]

Do you have favorite varieties for flavor or performance? I’ve been considering a hybrid compact variety, but would rather not sacrifice amount of harvest. We really enjoy freezing pesto!

[@qk85]

Bro.. that is the best video over basil I've seen so far! Good job with the montage, good tips and everything nice explained! Thumbs up!

[@og.hetera8433]

Do you think basil can share a pot with dills and cilantro successfully? Thanks for the video.

[@chamblen4]

have you ever heard of dill adversely affecting or stunting tomato plants? i recently read an article that said it would, i've never heard this before. The same article said basil is a good companion plant for tomatoes, which i have heard

[@joslac5018]

Great video! Very informative. Have you ever grown Emerald Tower basil? I hear it is like Genovese Basil. Thoughts? (Before I invest in seeds). Thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No I haven't... But now I want to!

[@Mi11imani]

basil is super capricious. i've been trying to grow it FOR literal YEARS!

[@TNothingFree]

I love basel, I didn't know u can get a node and regrow, will do. 2 plants died from heat :/ Btw u said one plant that grows above 8 months. I had a single plant that survived for 3 years!

[@nigl2807]

Growing a few varieties but i have a question in regards with propogating basil by cuttings. I notice my older plants stems gradually grow woody/brown. I guess i dont use the brown sections but the remaining green part of stem with nodes to use as cuttings?. Also i notice on my greek minette there seem to be lumpy nodules on each of the stems - are these nodes where roots could come out if i used those sections as cuttings?.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

Great question, hope Jeff answered this!

[@artstamper316]

I planted Thai basil this summer then had an accident that prevented me from gardening for several weeks so of course the basil flowered and got woody. The leaves still taste good so I'm eating it anyway. It won't last the winter in Zone 6a, however. Do you think I can propogate it as long as I can find a green stem instead of a woody one?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, I am sure of it. Be selective, but I've taken literally the oldest plant and got a nice green stem and started it over again indoors....it CAN be done. :-)

[@Luna4ever33]

Did you know that Basil needs to be harvested by hand without scissors. As soon as metal touches the basil it looses a lot of its flavor. Also just rip the leaves in little pieces with your fingers for cooking. Thank you for the video I very much enjoyed it.

[@thefoleys2515]

Really direct good video! Full of info without too much verbiage and kept my attention. Thank you!!!

[@ReneeBlue-km2zz]

Basil is awesome and I use a lot of it all year. I'm tired of buying it and just put my first cuttings in water to root. I use strictly Bonsai Jack Gritty Mix for my 225+ cacti and succulents with great success when traditional soil failed me. Do you think I could use that to pot the basil in when rooted? Not too many people are familiar with Bonsai Jack, but it is the best soil for me to grow beautiful succulents as they don't get over watered, but I need to water more frequently. When you said basil doesn't like wet feet in one of your other videos, that's what gave me the idea to use the gritty mix because succulents don't like wet feet either. Will basil grow in anything? What do you think? Thank you!

[@lyriicc1]

if I'm growing tomatoes in containers, can i plant basil around the edge of the tomato? also does basil spread crazy like mint?

[@lindamerkley585]

Can I grow it by any window? Even north facing that never gets direct sunlight but gets plenty of indirect light?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

More light the better linda, but experiment and see how it performs! I've grown it in a room with just the light from the room's bulb and it grew fine!

[@IAMGiftbearer]

What causes the leaves to stay small? I have some basil that started off with big leaves but now its leaves are growing only to a certain size about half an inch X half inch and not getting any larger. They seem a bit wrinkled and dusty too even though they are mulched at the base with straw.

[@shiftstart]

Can the wet paper towel trick also work on pepper seed? I find some of the hot peppers to be extra lazy.

[@newway71]

What is the best natural pesticide & fungicide for strawberry plants?

[@jahineverybody]

I’m sorry to brake it to you, but you have absolutely no future as a Gardener. You either need to do a 180 degree personality change, or just stop now. The #1 thing you need to be a gardener/farmer is a hard work ethic. How lazy can you be??Your comment doesn’t even have anything to do with this video!! Instead taking YOUR OWN TIME TO RESEARCH your question. You expect this guy, whos busy taking care of his own garden, and making videos, to stop and answer your totally random question. Good god. How lazy can you be?? Look it up yourself!

[@dennisolive4741]

I think it would have been to talk about other varieties. I really like Thai Basil. In Asia they use Holy basil a lot. Purple basil is beautiful also. So next time get a bunch started and do a video on the many varieties, and maybe describe the flavors and how to use them. I tried the cutting method and didn't have much success.

[@artstamper316]

😂 I truly hate eating a salad without my Thai basil!

[@Steve197201]

I planted about a half dozen basil plants in small pots. Early on, I fertilized them with blood meal for the nitrogen. I harvested them as described in this video. But the basil is bitter, even though it hasnt gone to seed yet. Any idea as to why this is happening?

[@m4xi]

When you water your basil from underneath, do you ever take the tray away or just keep the pot in it?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I tend to keep the tray there.....but make sure that its not ALWAYS standing in water....the roots will rot that way.

[@sslocke]

Basil has become a weed to me. I planted it one year and now theres random plants coming up all over my yard. 50+ feet away and across the pool from where i planted it. But its the biggest bee attractor i got so i leave some of them up. Stuff is like crack to them. I would just suggest trying to manage its size cuz if you dont youll basically have a basil tree on your hands

[@elizabethdeleo3123]

Sounds like Heaven to me!

[@juliefriedrich92]

Oh YES! You got a tree and most wish for a sprig...😔

[@studio107bgallery4]

Pesto, Pesto ❤❤❤❤❤

[@janetleeadams7287]

I live in a desert and have a very hard time growing basil and marjoram. Judging water with plants in the sand is difficult. Any tips? Manure is available, but most 'extras' like the right boosters are not available.

[@sunflower6434]

I thick because I’ve been picking off the leaves and not cutting them off, that is why my basil turns to seeds and the stems go to woody stem.

[@DavidJ8816]

I tried cuttings first, then a store-bought plant i split up. They all died. Seeds, however.. a 12-cell tray sowed with basil, has healthy little seedlings in all but one of the cells. In my experience, seeds seem to be the better starting point.

[@user-yl2pe9dm7j]

What do you mean when you say submerge it by at least one node?

[@sebasstuff8847]

Can you grow basil in a raised bed or should we absolutely stick to pots?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

It can definitely be grown in raised beds!

[@hendrikw4104]

I have a basil plant that is almost three years now and still going strong. I did not do anything special to it. It just sits on my windowsill. The only thing I do it prune it back and remove the blossoms.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Awesome, don't fix what isn't broken.

[@shirleyk623]

What do you do when they get small brown spots on the leaves? Especially after a lot of rain.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

I'd like to know, too!

[@shirleyk623]

@@patriciatinkey2677 I guess we will have to Google it lol

[@somai_1]

My basil was doing so well last year. Lush and full. All of a sudden they turned black and died. Was it a disease or due to the wildfire smoke?

[@Lucrorpg]

Just watch out for thrips lol.

[@foodztv945]

Hello bro. How to make my basil survive if im out of town for 1 week to 2 weeks. ?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Water thoroughly, keep it cooler, put it in a less "sunny" location.