Growing Basil in the Herb Garden

Most all varieties of basil can be sown directly into the soil after the last spring frost date. The preferred method for many growers however,  is to start the seeds indoors around 6 weeks before that date and then transfer them outside after the frost has past. This not only provides bigger plants earlier, but it will also ensure that you have fresh basil to harvest a little earlier in the year as well.

Basil smells great inside the home especially lemon and other fragrant varieties. I recommend keeping a back-up container, planted indoors, so that you will always have it close by. Not only will this make cooking more fun, but basil is also said to ward-off mosquitoes.

Can you think of a tastier way of keeping those blood-suckers away?

Plant basil in full-sun…whenever possible, try to give it as much sun as you can. They will do alright in partial shade, but if you plant them in full-sun, you will be rewarded greatly. Of course this depends on your area. If you live in an extremely hot area, providing a little shade is not a bad idea, and may be beneficial.