Get the most out of your basil plants with these simple tips.
Growing basil iseasy in a sunny spot, either in the ground orin containers.
Growing basil costs much less than buying fresh basil at the grocery store.
Credit: Karla Conrad
Here’s the best way to harvest and store fresh basil.
You’ll know the time is right when the plant has unfurled at least four sets of leaves.
Your basil plant should be between 6 and 8 inches tall before you harvest its leaves.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
And when cold weather arrives again after the summer, harvest your basilbefore a frost kills the plant.
How to Harvest Basil Leaves
Basil is a fast-growing herb that produces plenty offlavorful foliage.
Start harvestingbasil leavesfrom the top of the plant, where more foliage will quickly fill in.
If you harvest the bottom leaves first, the plant will likely look leggy and thin.
For themost flavorful basil leaves, harvest them before the flowers appear.
Basil cuttings are alsoeasy to root in waterto start new plants.
Basil should not be refrigerated because it quickly turns brown in cold temperatures.
After harvesting basil, toss a handful of leaves ontop of a pizzaor garnish your favoritepasta dish.
Also, add a basil leaf or two tolemonadeto make a refreshing treat.
Depending on the climate and growing conditions, a basil plantlasts about four to six months.
It may survive longer if the plant is grown indoors (or without the threat of chilly temperatures).
Basil will return if you harvest it properly, but cutting it to the ground isn’t recommended.
